Online Dating Fiasco with the Campus Heartthrob (DATING)
How long is a little more time?
Why do you need a little more time?
What are you afraid of, and what are you hesitating about?
Gu Zhao had so many questions he wanted to ask, but when he met those pitiful eyes, he could only clench his teeth and swallow all the pressing words.
It was just time, and wasn't patience what he was best at?
Gu Zhao took a deep breath, raised his arms, and pressed the person back into his embrace.
Ji Su obediently pressed his cheek against his chest but was no longer struggling.
Time seemed to stand still at that moment, leaving only the two tightly embraced figures with their heartbeats slowly merging into one.
Until a phone ringtone broke the silence.
Ji Su stepped back as the blush on his face faded as he saw the caller ID.
Gu Zhao frowned: "Whose call is it?"
"It's my brother." Ji Su replied simply before answering the call, "Hello, Xiao Chen."
"Brother! I'm at your school gate!" Ji Chen's excited voice came through the phone, "Come out and get me!"
"Alright," Ji Su responded before instructing, "Stay at the gate and don't wander off. I'll be right there."
After hanging up, he explained to Gu Zhao: "My brother just finished his high school entrance exams and came to visit me."
Gu Zhao looked at him: "I'll go with you."
Ji Su asked tactfully: "Don't you have other things to do?"
Gu Zhao: "No."
Ji Su reminded him: "My brother talks a lot. If you're not used to it, you don't have to accompany me."
"It's fine." Gu Zhao's expression remained unchanged, "Can he be noisier than Wang Mingzhe?"
Ji Su had no choice but to agree: "Alright then, let's go together."
Soon, the two of them arrived at the school gate.
Ji Su saw the familiar yet slightly unfamiliar figure from a distance and felt a bit complicated.
In fact, he and Ji Chen didn't look alike at all. Ji Chen was a carbon copy of Ji Zhenghai, while he resembled his mother more. When they were out together, almost no one would recognize them as brothers.
Perhaps that was one of the reasons Ji Zhenghai favored his younger son more.
"Brother!" Ji Chen spotted him from afar and quickly ran over before giving him a big bear hug as he got closer, "Brother, I missed you so much!"
Gu Zhao's expression darkened and his hand at his side tightening as he forcibly restrained himself from grabbing the person and pulling them away.
Ji Su patted his younger brother's shoulder: "Alright, let go of me first."
At thirteen or fourteen years old, Ji Chen was at the age where he was shooting up in height. It had only been half a year since they last met, but now Ji Chen was only half a head shorter than him.
Ji Chen held on for a few more seconds before reluctantly letting go, his bright black eyes glued to Ji Su's face: "Brother, have you lost weight recently?"
"I haven't lost weight." Ji Su replied softly. "How did you get here?"
"Uncle Zhang drove me here, he just left." Ji Chen pouted. "I said I could come by myself, but Mom just wouldn't trust me. I'm not a kid anymore."
Ji Su responded gently, "She's just worried about you."
Ji Chen was about to continue complaining when he suddenly noticed a particularly tall stranger standing nearby and immediately asked, "Brother, who is he?"
"This is Gu Zhao, he's my—" Ji Su glanced into those deep, dark eyes and continued, "he's my friend."
Gu Zhao repeated with a faint smile, "Friend?"
"Oh, so you're my brother's friend!" Ji Chen didn't think much of it and casually asked, "Are you also studying architecture?"
Gu Zhao was sparing with his words, "No."
Ji Su helped out, "He's a law student."
"Wow! Law students are really impressive!" Ji Chen exclaimed sincerely, then added, "But of course, in my heart, my brother is always the most impressive!"
"Thank you," Ji Su smiled. "It's not time for dinner yet, let me take you around the campus first."
"Great, great!" Ji Chen enthusiastically grabbed his arm, "Let's go, brother!"
Gu Zhao's gaze fell on that hand, finding it extremely irritating, and his expression darkened further.
The three walked side by side into the school, with Ji Chen chattering non-stop about his recent middle school exams and the interesting things that happened at school, not pausing for a second.
Ji Su listened quietly while occasionally interjecting a word or two and showing no impatience but also no extra enthusiasm.
Like a calm lake that gently accommodates everything thrown into it.
After touring the campus, Ji Su planned to take Ji Chen out for dinner.
"How about that private kitchen we went to last time." Gu Zhao suggested indifferently, "Didn't you really like their dishes?"
"Ah? Chinese food?" Ji Chen was not too pleased, "I'm tired of eating Chinese food at home, can we try something new?"
Ji Su sought his opinion, "What would you like to eat then?"
"Hmm..." Ji Chen thought seriously for a moment, "Seafood! I want to eat hairy crab!"
Gu Zhao looked at him and asked coldly, "Don't you know your brother is allergic to seafood?"
"Ah?" Ji Chen's eyes widened in surprise, "Brother, when did you become allergic to seafood? I didn't know that!"
Ji Su was silent for a few seconds before nodding in admission, "Yes, I'm allergic to seafood."
He just hadn't expected that a casual mention of it would be remembered by Gu Zhao.
Ji Chen was very puzzled, "But we often have seafood at home, why didn't you ever say anything?"
"It's nothing." Ji Su said calmly. "I'll just eat something else."
In truth, it wasn't that he hadn't mentioned it before.
When he was a child, he had once had a severe allergic reaction to seafood and had to be rushed to the emergency room. But over time, no one seemed to remember.
"Then I won't eat seafood either." Ji Chen quickly corrected himself. "Let's go to that Chinese restaurant instead!"
Ji Su was about to tell him not to accommodate him when suddenly, a hand rested on his shoulder.
Gu Zhao turned the person in his arms around. "Let's go."
Ji Chen watched their close figures with a hint of displeasure and hurried after them. "Brother, wait for me!"
……
The private restaurant was bustling with business, and reservations were usually required. However, as a VIP, Gu Zhao enjoyed certain privileges.
After ordering, during the wait for the food, Ji Chen started another conversation. "By the way, brother, did you have a girlfriend in college?"
Ji Su paused mid-sip of his tea. "No."
Gu Zhao, sitting beside him, idly twirled his teacup with his long fingers with his gaze never leaving Ji Su's face.
Ji Chen pressed on, "Do you have someone you like then?"
Ji Su's eyelashes fluttered slightly as he evaded the question. "You're just a kid. This isn't something you should be asking about."
Ji Chen protested, "I'm not a kid anymore, brother. I'm about to start high school!"
Gu Zhao chimed in casually, "Actually, I'm curious about that too."
Ji Su replied seriously, "This isn't something either of you should be concerned about."
Gu Zhao narrowed his eyes slightly. "Is that so?"
Fortunately, the waiter entered at that moment, easing the slightly tense atmosphere in the private room.
The table was filled with dishes, all of which were Ji Su's favorites, except for two that Ji Chen had ordered himself.
Gu Zhao, as if no one else was there, served Ji Su food, helped him with the bones, and even poured his juice, taking care of him meticulously.
Even Ji Chen, sitting across from them, began to sense something was off.
When Gu Zhao stepped away, Ji Chen couldn't help but lean over and ask, "Brother, are you and Gu Zhao really close?"
Ji Su felt a bit guilty for no reason. "Why do you ask?"
"It just feels like he takes really good care of you." Ji Chen explained. "It's kind of like how my mom takes care of me."
Ji Su couldn't help but laugh at the thought.
Was Ji Chen saying that Gu Zhao was like his mother?
A male mother?
As he laughed, Gu Zhao appeared at the door and looked at him coolly. "What's so funny?"
Ji Su tried to suppress his laughter. "It's nothing..."
Ji Chen also quieted down and obediently returned to his seat.
Although this Gu Zhao treated his brother well, he still seemed a bit intimidating, especially when he had a cold expression.
After the meal, the three of them went for a walk in the nearby shopping district.
Ji Chen, who was usually strictly controlled at home, was finally out and about after his exams and found everything new and exciting, wanting to buy everything he saw.
When they reached an ice cream shop, Ji Su's steps faltered slightly, and his gaze lingered inside.
Gu Zhao noticed his look and asked softly, "Do you want ice cream?"
"When I was a child, I was often sick, especially with a weak stomach, so I couldn't eat ice cream." Ji Su replied, not directly answering the question. "Once, I secretly bought several ice creams and ate them all at once, and then I ended up in the hospital with acute gastroenteritis."
"How can ice cream be a meal?" Gu Zhao gently pinched Ji Su's cheek. "I'll go buy it for you, but you can only have one bite."
Ji Su shook his head: "Wouldn't that be wasteful?"
"Not wasteful." Gu Zhao released his hand. "I'll eat the rest."
He walked into the shop and returned a few minutes later with a cup of ice cream.
Ji Su looked at the matcha ice cream in Gu Zhao's hand, took the spoon, and scooped a bite into his mouth.
The weather was scorching, and the ice cream brought an instant cool relief as it melted on his tongue.
Holding the spoon, Ji Su raised his eyes and asked expectantly, "Can I have another bite?"
Gu Zhao chuckled, "If you take another bite, I'll have to charge interest."
Reluctantly, Ji Su put down the spoon, "Alright then."
But Gu Zhao picked up the spoon again, scooped a large bite, and brought it to Ji Su's lips, "Open up."
Ji Su immediately opened his mouth and took another big bite of the ice cream.
His crimson tongue peeked out to lick the white cream residue at the corner of his lips, leaving a moist trail on his rosy lips.
Gu Zhao's Adam's apple bobbed slightly as he reached out with his large hand, and used his thumb to wipe away the unlicked ice cream from Ji Su's mouth.
Ji Su was stunned for a second, then raised his own hand to wipe, "Is there any left?"
"None." Gu Zhao averted his gaze and continued eating the ice cream with the same spoon.
He didn't usually like sweets; the sweetness of the ice cream was too much for him, yet he kept taking bite after bite.
Ji Su's ears turned slightly red. He wanted to remind Gu Zhao to use a different spoon, but seeing that he had already eaten, he felt too embarrassed to say anything.
"Brother! Come here quickly!" Ji Chen jumped up ahead and waved at him, "There are so many blind boxes here!"
Ji Su responded, "Coming."
After finishing their shopping, Ji Su planned to find a nearby hotel to book a room.
"Hello, I'd like a standard room." Ji Su stood at the hotel front desk, "It's for me and my brother."
Gu Zhao furrowed his brow: "You're staying at the hotel too?"
"Mm," Ji Su nodded, "He's not yet an adult, I can't let him stay alone at the hotel."
Gu Zhao pulled out a bank card from his pocket and placed it on the counter: "Book a business twin room."
"Certainly, sir," the receptionist smiled warmly, "Please wait a moment."
Ji Su declined: "I have money, you don't need to pay."
"Consider it as my treat for your brother," Gu Zhao reached out and gently pinched the soft nape of his neck, "Besides, what's mine is yours."
Ji Su blushed and whispered, "Don't say such things."
After checking in, the three took the elevator upstairs.
Ji Su opened the room door with the key card, and Ji Chen was the first to rush in as he threw himself onto the bed: "Ah! So comfortable!"
The business twin room was spacious, with a balcony, and the environment looked quite nice.
Ji Su walked to the table to charge his phone and turned to say, "Gu Zhao, make yourself at home."
Gu Zhao sat on the sofa before he casually opened a bottle of mineral water, and took a few sips.
"Bro, I'm all sweaty, I'm going to take a shower first." Ji Chen got up from the bed and unzipped his backpack to look for clothes.
Ji Su turned around before leaning against the edge of the table: "Go ahead."
Ji Chen took his clothes into the bathroom, and soon the sound of running water was heard.
Ji Su glanced at the time: "It's getting late, are you going back to school or home tonight?"
"I'm not going anywhere," Gu Zhao stretched out his long legs, "I'm sleeping here tonight."
"Ah?" Ji Su was stunned, "You're sleeping here?"
Gu Zhao looked at him: "Do you think I'd leave you alone to share a room with someone else?"
Ji Su tried to reason with him: "He's not just someone else, he's my half-brother."
Gu Zhao remained unmoved: "Even a brother is not allowed."
Ji Su: "..."
Gu Zhao tapped his knee with his finger: "I can sleep on the sofa."
Ji Su: "Don't you think sleeping on the sofa is uncomfortable?"
Gu Zhao: "I don't think so."
In the end, Gu Zhao got his wish and stayed.
After Ji Su finished his shower, he leaned against the headboard and chatted with Ji Chen for a while.
Being a teenager, Ji Chen had been active all day and soon fell asleep while talking.
Ji Su stopped talking, picked up his phone, and sent a message to Qiao Jin.
After a while, the bathroom door opened, and Gu Zhao stepped out, wrapped in a mist of steam.
He was wearing a white bathrobe with the belt loosely tied and boldly revealing his chest and abs, with water droplets continuously rolling down his firm muscles.
Ji Su only glanced once and quickly averted his gaze.
Gu Zhao lay down on the sofa, but due to his height, a good part of his legs were hanging in the air, so he simply let them rest on the ground, looking quite uncomfortable.
Ji Su pursed his lips and feeling a bit sorry, he softly called out, "Gu Zhao, come up and sleep here too."
Gu Zhao sat up: "Are you sure?"
Ji Su silently moved to the side of the bed, then took his own pillow and placed it in the middle of the bed.
Gu Zhao walked over and asked in a low voice, "What does this mean?"
"A boundary," Ji Su gestured a line with his hand, "Neither of us can cross it."
Gu Zhao chuckled ambiguously and lay down on the other side of the bed.
The soft mattress sank, and Ji Su's heart skipped a beat that he involuntarily moved a bit further to the side.
"What are you afraid of?" Gu Zhao spoke in a calm, indifferent tone. "I'm not going to eat you."
Ji Su felt a bit awkward. "I wasn't..."
This wasn't the first time he had shared a bed with someone, but this time, he was unusually tense. The sound of breathing beside him was clear, and he could even feel the warmth radiating from the other body.
Ji Su closed his eyes while trying to clear his mind of chaotic thoughts and coax himself to sleep.
After what felt like an eternity, sleep finally began to take over. In a daze, he turned over, and his outstretched leg brushed against something warm.
In the next moment, a scorching hand gripped his slender, straight calf.
Ji Su shivered and instantly jolted awake by the heat. "Gu Zhao, what are you—mmph..."
His words trailed off into a low moan, swallowed by the space between their lips.
The slightly rough pad of a thumb rubbed against the soft, smooth flesh of his leg and sent tiny electric currents crackling across his skin, making his scalp tingle.
Ji Su couldn't take it and tried to pull his leg back to shrink toward the edge of the bed.
But that large hand gripped his waist and pulled him back.
"Gu Zhao!" Ji Su was both embarrassed and annoyed. "What do you think you're—"
"Shh..." Gu Zhao withdrew his other hand to cover Ji Su's parted lips with his palm. In a low, sultry whisper, he asked, "Do you want your brother to find out?"
Just then, Ji Chen on the neighboring bed turned over while mumbling something in his sleep.
Ji Su trembled and immediately fell silent.
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