The evening sun spilled golden light through the windows of the small apartment as Wu Suo Wei rushed around, fluffing pillows and nervously adjusting a framed photo on the shelf. His cheeks were pink from stress and a little excitement.
"They're really coming, C-Chi Cheng," he said, eyes wide as he looked back at the taller boy. "Your mom and my mom... they're really coming!"
Chi Cheng leaned against the doorway with arms folded, watching his fiancé whirl around like a startled kitten. His usual calm expression softened slightly. "You've said that three times already."
"You're not helping," Suo Wei pouted. "What if they ask about... sleeping arrangements?"
Chi Cheng raised a brow. "Then we lie."
Suo Wei blinked. "Lie how?"
Chi Cheng stepped into the room and casually pointed at the bed. "You're not sleeping on it alone tonight."
The words hit Suo Wei like a brick of butterflies. "W-What?!"
"They'll expect us to sleep together. That's what engaged couples do."
"But we–! You–! You always take the guest room!"
Chi Cheng shrugged. "Just for tonight, we make it look real. Don't overthink it."
Before Chi Cheng could tease further, the sound of keys jingling outside made them both freeze.
"They're here!" Suo Wei squeaked, grabbing Chi Cheng's sleeve.
The front door swung open, and the cheerful voices of their mothers filled the space.
"Chi Cheng! Suo Wei!" Mama Wu beamed. "Oh, it smells so clean in here! Did you two clean together?"
Suo Wei nodded frantically while Chi Cheng answered calmly, "We always do."
Mama Chi smiled approvingly, her eyes scanning the tidy living room, the double toothbrushes on the sink... and the neatly arranged big bedroom.
The rest of the evening passed in warm laughter, clinking dishes, and harmless family questions. Their moms toured the apartment like detectives peeking into the bathroom, admiring the framed photos, then finally entering the main bedroom with satisfied grins.
"Oh, look at this bed!" Mama Wu gushed. "So cozy, mm?"
Mama Chi nodded. "I'm glad you two are settling well together."
Chi Cheng gave a tight smile.
Suo Wei hid behind him.
Later that night, the apartment dimmed, and soft voices disappeared behind closed doors.
The hallway was still.
Inside the bedroom, Suo Wei stood frozen in front of the bed, pajamas soft and sleeves covering his hands. Chi Cheng leaned against the closet, arms folded, watching the boy without saying a word.
The silence stretched.
Chi Cheng sighed and walked over, pulling back the covers like it was the most casual thing in the world. "We'll sleep. That's it."
Suo Wei hesitated before slowly crawling onto the left side, back turned, his form small under the blanket.
Chi Cheng slid in on the right. The bed creaked softly.
He stared at the ceiling.
A pause.
Then, barely a whisper—
"...thank you."
Chi Cheng turned his head slightly, watching Suo Wei's back. The boy was curled up tightly, holding the edge of the blanket like a lifeline.
"We've done this before, Da Bao," Chi Cheng said softly, "...you used to snore in my ear."
Suo Wei didn't respond, but his shoulders trembled slightly. Embarrassed giggle? Nervous memory? Maybe both.
Chi Cheng smiled faintly in the dark.
"Just don't hog the blanket like you used to."
Suo Wei shifted, then slowly, timidly reached behind him, offering a bit more of the sheet.
Chi Cheng watched him with a strange warmth in his chest.
Just for tonight.
Just like back then.
And maybe, just maybe...
a little different now.