Online Dating Fiasco with the Campus Heartthrob (DATING)
Ji Su fled back into the bathroom and quickly locked the door before leaning against it to calm his frantic heartbeat.
He had never seen Gu Zhao look at him with such an intense gaze before—it was truly fierce.
Was it because he had seen his body without any mental preparation that he got so angry?
"Knock, knock," two sudden knocks came from behind.
Ji Su was startled and quickly stepped back from the glass door.
"Your clothes," Gu Zhao's voice came from outside the door. It was muffled because of the frosted glass, but even then, you can still hear the hoarse tone as if scorched by smoke.
"No, it's fine!" Ji Su pressed against the sink with his fingers gripping the edge. "I think my shirt is still wearable..."
If he let Gu Zhao in now, would he pin him down in the bathroom and beat him up?
There was no movement outside.
After a while, the tall figure left.
Ji Su let out a sigh of relief and immediately grabbed the white shirt to put it on.
His slender fingers trembled slightly from nervousness, and it took him a while to button it up completely.
After waiting a few more minutes, Ji Su quietly opened the bathroom door, only to unexpectedly meet those deep, unfathomable black eyes again.
It turned out Gu Zhao hadn’t gone far; he was leaning against the wall at the corner and waiting for him.
"Um..." Ji Su inched his way out. "I’m done showering. I’ll go to bed first."
Gu Zhao’s thin lips were tightly pressed together while staring at him with an indescribable look.
Ji Su’s heart raced again, and he quickened his pace toward the sofa.
Gu Zhao closed his eyes to forcibly suppress the beast raging inside him, and took heavy steps into the bathroom.
The steam in the bathroom hadn’t dissipated yet. The familiar scent of his shower gel mixed with a refreshing, pleasant fragrance. The air was damp and hot, and his unsettled blood surged uncontrollably once more.
With a soft click, Gu Zhao closed the bathroom door.
Meanwhile, Ji Su sat on the sofa, and hearing the sound of water running in the bathroom again, he felt a bit puzzled.
Hadn’t Gu Zhao already showered earlier? Why was he showering again?
But Ji Su didn’t dwell on it.
He had planned to watch an educational video but his eyelids grew heavier and heavier...
He had stayed up late last night, attended classes all day today, and had been on edge the entire time. Now, both his body and mind were utterly exhausted.
When Gu Zhao stepped out of the bathroom again, he found Ji Su slumped on the sofa, fast asleep.
His fair, long legs dangled over the edge of the sofa with his posture casual and sleeping without a care.
Gu Zhao walked over then bent down, and with his large, warm hand resting on the tender bend of Ji Su’s knee, he effortlessly lifted him up.
"Mmm..." The person in his arms shivered from the heat as he let out a soft, kitten-like whimper, but didn’t wake up.
Gu Zhao carried him to the bed to lay him down, and continued to gaze at that beautiful face from his bent position.
If Ji Su had woken up at that moment, he would have been startled by that intense gaze that could have caused his heart to race once more.
After a long while, Gu Zhao slowly straightened up.
During those years of groping through the darkness alone, the first thing he had learned was patience.
Like a starving beast, the more intense the hunger, the greater the satisfaction when it was finally sated.
Until then, he would wait patiently, waiting to savor that moment of ultimate fulfillment.
…….
The next day was Friday.
As soon as Ji Su woke up, he received a reminder from his phone calendar.
Time flew by—tomorrow was the day of the high school entrance exam.
After breakfast, and on the way back to school, Ji Su sent a message to Ji Chen.
Ji Su: [The exam is tomorrow, good luck.]
The reply came swiftly, as if he had been waiting for the message.
Ji Chen: [Got it, bro, I’ll do my best!]
Ji Su: [Make sure to rest well these days and keep your diet light.]
Ji Su: [Don’t stress, just perform as you normally would.]
Ji Chen: [I know, thanks for caring, bro!]
Ji Chen: [Bro, take care of yourself too while you’re out there!]
Ji Su: [Alright.]
Ji Chen: [Oh, and remember, after my exam, I’m coming to A University to see you. Don’t forget!]
Ji Su: [Yeah, I haven’t forgotten.]
Gu Zhao glanced at his phone screen: “Who are you messaging?”
“My brother,” Ji Su paused, “my half-brother.”
"Mm," Gu Zhao responded casually, asking, "How old is he?"
Ji Su put away his phone: "He's in middle school now."
After his parents divorced, it wasn't long before his father remarried Aunt Qin, and soon after, Ji Chen was born.
Back then, he had already realized how easily people's hearts could change.
Returning to school, the two went their separate ways to attend classes.
Ji Su wasn't sure if Gu Zhao had realized after last night's incident that he wasn't Meng Meng. He felt too embarrassed to ask directly and found himself tangled in thoughts again.
"Su Su, you're spacing out again," Qiao Jin gently pinched his arm. "If you don't come clean today, I'll—"
Ji Su snapped back to reality and hesitantly asked, "Xiao Qiao, do you think someone's sexual orientation can suddenly change?"
"Huh? Sexual orientation is innate," Qiao Jin paused, then added, "But if it's you, turning a straight guy gay is so easy."
Ji Su: "..."
"Wait!" A light bulb went off in Qiao Jin's head. "Are you talking about Gu Zhao? Did you turn Gu Zhao gay?"
Ji Su was startled by his imagination but still denied it: "That's not the case."
Gu Zhao likes Meng Meng, and Meng Meng is a girl. How could that count as turning him gay?
"I knew my intuition never fails me. The way Gu Zhao looks at you is just off!" Qiao Jin got excited on his own. "The campus heartthrob is practically possessive of you and wishes he could banish all living beings within three meters of you!"
"It's not that exaggerated," Ji Su sighed helplessly. "Xiao Qiao, stop guessing."
"Alright, alright, I won't say anymore," Qiao Jin made a zipping motion over his mouth.
Ji Su was silent for a few seconds before speaking up: "Xiao Qiao, I genuinely consider him a friend."
He cherished every bit of kindness he received and treasured everyone who was good to him.
"But he might not share the same thoughts as you," Qiao Jin shook his head and was unable to resist reminding him. "Anyway, Su Su, you need to be careful around him from now on."
With Gu Zhao's personality, if he really sets his sights on someone, whether male or female, he would stop at nothing to get them.
Ji Su was a bit lost: "How should I be careful?"
"Just watch your physical distance, and try not to expose your legs or waist in front of him," Qiao Jin instructed meticulously. "Especially your legs, you must never wear shorts in front of him."
Ji Su: "..."
Last night, it seemed like he had exposed everything that should and shouldn't have been exposed...
"It won't happen," Ji Su shuddered while choosing to stick to his belief. "Gu Zhao is straight; he wouldn't fall for a guy."
Qiao Jin clicked his tongue: "Let's hope so."
……..
On Friday evening, the basketball club had its regular training.
Ji Su was just relieved to catch a break when he was called to the music club by a senior.
As soon as he entered, he saw the members gathered together and discussing animatedly.
"Ji Su, you're here!" The vice president spotted him immediately and waved him over. "Come here!"
Ji Su walked over: "Is something up?"
"Su Su, you're so smart!" Lin Yan stood up to greet him. "The cultural festival is coming up, and our music club is planning to collaborate with the dance club for two performances."
"Oh," Ji Su responded. "That sounds great."
Lin Yan clapped her hands: "We've discussed it and decided to have you perform a piece!"
Ji Su: "Huh?"
"You're the face and trump card of our music club. For such a grand occasion as the music festival, we must bring out our best!" The Vice President chimed in with a cheerful smile, "Let everyone witness the strength of our music club!"
"Sorry, but I don't think I'm suitable," Ji Su pondered for a moment and explained earnestly, "My piano skills are too amateurish. I can't uphold the reputation of the music club in such a setting, let alone—"
"Ah, Xiao Su Su, don't be so modest!" Lin Yan quickly interrupted him, "How many of us here can play your favorite piano piece?"
Ji Su was slightly taken aback: "That is..."
"Exactly!" the Vice President took over, "The dance club has taken a liking to that piece 'Look Forward'. They're planning to choreograph a dance to accompany your piano performance on stage."
"Alright," Ji Su lowered his eyelashes, "I'll give it a try."
"Ahhh, that's fantastic!" Lin Yan rushed forward to hug him, "I love you so much, Xiao Su Su!"
Ji Su took a step back and only extended his hand to support her arm: "Senior, calm down."
"Oh, okay!" Lin Yan steadied herself and smoothed her bangs, "Then it's settled. I'll have the girl from the dance club contact you later."
Ji Su responded: "Okay."
After some more discussion, the members gradually dispersed.
Ji Su stayed behind to practice the piano for a while.
"Xiao Su Su, I haven't seen much of you lately," Lin Yan walked up to him, "I've been meaning to tell you, I want to find an opportunity to treat the person who helped me expose that online scammer to a meal."
After obtaining the information, she not only recovered the money she was scammed out of and retrieved her private photos but also exposed the scammer, causing him severe social death.
It was incredibly satisfying.
Ji Su politely declined: "No need, Senior."
Gu Zhao had done a good deed without wanting to leave his name, so the Senior still didn't know who the kind-hearted person was.
"Really, so mysterious?" Lin Yan felt something was off and guessed, "Could it be that you paid for it?"
Ji Su: "..."
If only Gu Zhao would accept his money, then things would be much simpler.
"Really, no, Senior," Ji Su replied softly, "That matter is over, you should stop thinking about it."
"Alright..." Lin Yan had to give up, "Then I'll be off, don't practice too late."
"Okay," Ji Su smiled, "Goodbye, Senior."
In the music classroom, only he remained.
Ji Su raised his hands until his jade-like fingertips rested on the black and white piano keys.
Unnoticed, a light rain began to fall outside the window and blended with the melodious piano music that created a uniquely lonely and desolate atmosphere.
As the piece ended, Ji Su let out a soft sigh then suddenly became aware of a gaze watching him from behind.
Turning around, he saw Gu Zhao standing at the door while holding a black umbrella with its tip still dripping water onto the floor.
Ji Su was momentarily stunned: "How did you know I was here?"
"It's raining," Gu Zhao leaned the umbrella against the door frame and walked over with his long strides, "I came to bring you an umbrella."
Ji Su's heart stirred slightly: "Thank you..."
At the school gate on every rainy day in the past, he had hoped that someone would come with an umbrella to take him home, just like the other kids.
Later, he learned to check the weather forecast in advance or simply walk home in the rain, knowing it would only result in a minor illness.
This was the first time someone had specifically brought him an umbrella on a rainy day.
Gu Zhao stopped by the piano: "How much longer will you practice?"
"I'm done," Ji Su looked up, "Gu Zhao, why do you like this piece?"
"Look Forward" was actually a very niche piano piece, and one that many people hadn't heard of. He had started practicing it by chance as a child and had continued for many years.
Gu Zhao looked at him with a complex emotion he couldn't quite understand swirling in those dark eyes.
After a moment, Gu Zhao replied softly, "Because this piano piece accompanied me through a very... special period of my life."
"I see," Ji Su nodded as his fingertips lightly brushed the keys, "I can understand that. It accompanied my entire childhood too."
"Let's go," Gu Zhao averted his gaze, "It's time for dinner."
Ji Su stood up: "Wait, there's something I need to tell you."
He couldn't keep avoiding it anymore; he had to be honest with Gu Zhao.
Gu Zhao turned back: "What is it?"
Ji Su pursed his lips: "Gu Zhao, I genuinely want to be friends with you."
Gu Zhao looked at him: "I know. And then?"
"Meng Meng might fit your ideal type, but she doesn't exist." Ji Su tried to meet those dark eyes directly, "You might not be able to forget her right away, but you'll meet better girls in the future."
Gu Zhao took a step closer: "Go on."
Ji Su instinctively stepped back with his hands fumbling on the piano keys, the sudden sound startling him.
"Last night, you saw it too—I'm a boy, completely different from a girl." Ji Su forced himself to continue, "When you saw my body, did you feel—ah!"
Amidst the chaotic piano notes, he was once again lifted and seated on the piano by Gu Zhao.
In an instant, what had happened in the music room last time flooded back into his mind.
Gu Zhao's one hand gripped his slender waist, while the other, with its distinct knuckles, pressed the black and white keys one by one in a leisurely manner.
The crisp piano notes turned into some kind of ominous signal.
Gu Zhao slowly withdrew his hand: "Do you know what I was thinking when I looked at you last night?"
Ji Su shook his head: "No..."
Gu Zhao leaned closer to his ear, and with his deep, magnetic voice, he as6k, "Then do you know what I did when I went into the bathroom later?"
Ji Su's heart skipped a beat as a ridiculous thought vaguely surfacing.
Gu Zhao inhaled his scent deeply: "I picked up the clothes you had changed out of, and they were filled with your scent—"
"Don't say it!" Ji Su finally understood as he instinctively raised his hand to cover Gu Zhao's mouth, "Don't say it..."
Gu Zhao grasped his slender wrist to move his hand away with his thin lips now even closer to Ji Su's ear.
The scorching breath brushed against his sensitive earlobe that sent an indescribable shiver through him. The blush on his ear quickly spread to his snow-white neck.
Ji Su's slim back stiffened and his instincts screamed at him to escape.
In the next moment, a large hand cupped the back of his head firmly holding him in place.
Gu Zhao's voice grew hoarse: "And that red dress you wore, although the scent left on it was faint, just thinking about how you looked in it makes me uncontrollably excited..."
Ji Su's mind went blank: "You... how could you..."
"Now, do you still think I'm straight?" Gu Zhao slowly turned his face back as his scorching lips brush against Ji Su's reddened ear.
Ji Su trembled all over and his body curled up slightly.
Gu Zhao bit his back teeth and his eyes grew darker.
'Just a few words, and he's already this shy and pitiful.'
"If he knew all the thoughts in my mind, he'd probably run away in fright, right?'
'But where could he possibly escape to?'
Gu Zhao withdrew one hand while grasping Ji Su's slender, pale fingers and guiding them downward together.
Ji Su was forced to press against his own chest while feeling as if a frolicking deer was trapped inside as the "thump thump" of his heartbeat clearly audible.
"Before I even said I liked you, you had already learned how to reject me." Gu Zhao spoke word by word, like a demon's whisper, "Then ask your own heart, do you really want to completely reject me?"
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