Chapter 16: Straight or Gay?

Chapter 16: Straight or Gay?

Yun He and Gu Jiabei entered their respective classrooms as the bell rang. Yun He was physically and mentally drained from the morning's events, and his arm ached. He spent most of the first class lounging on his desk.

Gu Jiabei, on the other hand, remained quiet throughout the morning, focusing solely on listening to the lessons and taking notes.

During the break, Lin Yong turned to Yun He and asked, "Brother Yun, I haven't seen you all night. What happened to your arm?"

Seeing that Lin Yong seemed in good spirits and not affected by any emotional distress, Yun He replied, "Tell me about your battle last night first."

"Oh, don't even mention it. I waited almost an hour at the milk tea shop after school yesterday. My goddess finally texted me, saying she just saw my message. But she promised to arrange another date in the future, hehe..." Lin Yong smiled foolishly.

"Alright... As long as you're happy..." Yun He couldn't think of anything else to say.

"And what exactly happened to your arm?" Lin Yong pointed at Yun He's bandaged arm.

Yun He had no choice but to recycle the story he told his mother, which Lin Yong, not being as knowledgeable about his friend as Cai Mingzhi, readily believed. He even commented, "I never would have guessed you could fight. That's quite something."

When it was time for the morning exercise session, Yun He used his discomfort with his arm as an excuse to stay in the classroom. Sitting alone in the spacious room, he gazed out the window at the crowded playground where students were swinging their arms and legs. After a while, he opened his notebook and began copying from Wang Xiaomi's notes, working slowly since he had to write with his left hand due to his injured right arm. His writing speed was affected, so he could only use the break time to copy from his deskmate's notes. As he wrote, he heard a low, mocking voice from the window, "What kind of scribbles are these?"

Yun He was startled, his hand trembling, causing the writing to slip beyond recognition. He glanced up at Gu Jiabei standing by the window with dissatisfaction. "Why aren't you doing your exercises?"

"I don't feel like it," Gu Jiabei replied, frowning as he examined Yun He's handwriting. "It's too ugly."

"Damn, I'm not left-handed," Yun He protested.

Gu Jiabei ignored him and moved away from the window, entering the classroom to sit in Wang Xiaomi's seat.

Confused, Yun He stared at Gu Jiabei beside him.

Silently, Gu Jiabei took Yun He's notebook and glanced at Wang Xiaomi's before snatching the pen from Yun He's hand and beginning to copy notes.

"You... You're copying my notes for me?" Yun He asked in surprise.

Gu Jiabei didn't respond, merely focusing on copying diligently. Yun He didn't ask further, stealing a glance at Gu Jiabei's handwriting. It was slender yet strong, as beautiful as its owner. His gaze involuntarily shifted upward to the right hand writing, noting the prominent knuckles, rounded fingertips, clean nails, and the visible veins on his exposed forearm. As Gu Jiabei wrote, Yun He could faintly sense the tension of muscles in his arm. His eyes continued their journey upwards, taking in the Adam's apple, chiseled profile, straight nose, high cheekbones, thick eyelashes, and the furrowed brow.

"Stop looking," Gu Jiabei said without lifting his head, engrossed in copying the notes. His voice echoed lowly in the empty classroom.

Yun He felt a flush of guilt for being caught ogling. His heart raced, thumping forcefully in his chest. He quickly turned his face to look out the window, ears reddening as he muttered softly, "I wasn't really staring..."

There's no need to hide what's already obvious.

A wry smile flickered across Gu Jiabei's lips.

Yun He looked guiltily at the playground, listening to the rustling of paper and pen beside him, feeling the sunlight and gentle breeze from the window. After an unknown period, he slowly spoke, "You said... that pervert we met on the bus today... how did he know I like guys?"

The sound of the pen scratching against paper ceased. Yun He turned his head to meet Gu Jiabei's dark eyes.

"I don't know, maybe it's just instinct. You'd know once you're in love," Gu Jiabei replied with furrowed brows.

"What about you? You've had girlfriends, right?" Yun He recalled the photo in Gu Jiabei's social media feed, where the girl leaned her head on Gu Jiabei's shoulder.

"Mm," Gu Jiabei answered straightforwardly. "I dated in my previous school."

"That girl in your friend circle? The one from the group photo?" Yun He asked.

"Yes," Gu Jiabei admitted openly.

Oh, so Gu Jiabei likes girls, Yun He thought to himself.

"But I've never been in love before," Yun He said.

"Are you pondering your orientation?" Gu Jiabei asked. "Even being in a relationship doesn't necessarily clarify this matter."

"Why wouldn't you confirm it after falling in love?" Yun He asked, sounding like an inquisitive child. In this aspect, he truly knew nothing.

Gu Jiabei cocked his head, propping his chin up with one hand as he watched Yun He with keen interest. "Being in a relationship doesn't necessarily mean liking someone. Everything is uncertain until you meet someone who makes your heart race." Pausing for a moment, Gu Jiabei added, "But I can help you give it a try."

"What are we trying?" Yun He asked, perplexed.

Gu Jiabei suddenly drew closer to Yun He, and once again, Yun He found himself enveloped in that intoxicating scent that left him disoriented. He could even feel the warmth emanating from Gu Jiabei's body.

Gu Jiabei gently exhaled against his ear, the warmth tingling. "Let's find out if you're straight or not."

Gu Jiabei's voice was naturally low and deep, but at this moment, he deliberately lowered it further, which unexpectedly revealed a hint of ambiguity. Yun He felt his cheeks flush instantly, his limbs numb, and his body became unbearably stiff.

"...How...should we try it..." Yun He's voice was hoarse, and his first instinct was not to push Gu Jiabei away.

Gu Jiabei's fingers gently traced the curve of Yun He's lips, his touch warm, yet it sent a shiver down Yun He's spine.

Gu Jiabei abruptly applied pressure with his fingertips, pinching Yun He's chin and lifting his face. Yun He unintentionally parted his lips slightly.

Gu Jiabei tilted his head closer, their lips nearly touching, their warm breaths intertwining near the edges of their mouths. The classroom was hot, and the sunlight was dazzling.

Yun He could hear his heart pounding like a war drum, as if it would leap out of his throat with just one more beat. Gu Jiabei's lips brushed against his own ever so gently, but then suddenly halted at the last moment. His eyes shimmered with a mix of teasing and surprise.

"You're... reacting... strangely..." Gu Jiabei observed Yun He, releasing his grip on Yun He's chin and straightening back up.

Yun He's mouth remained slightly ajar, his ears, cheeks, and even the nape of his neck glowing with a translucent blush under the sun's rays.

The announcement for the break-time exercise suddenly ended, and students began flooding into the academic building, their loud chatter shattering the tranquility of the classroom.

Gu Jiabei rose from Wang Xiaomi's seat, the playful glint in his eyes now gone. "My mom wants you to come over for lunch every day from now on," he said, pausing briefly before adding, "But if you don't want to, it's fine."

Gu Jiabei waited a few seconds, but seeing Yun He still in a daze, he realized he might not get an answer. So, he turned to walk out.

"I'll come..." Yun He's voice was soft, but Gu Jiabei heard him clearly.

"Alright, we'll leave together after school for lunch then." Gu Jiabei didn't turn back. As he reached the classroom door, some students had already returned, bumping into him and giving him curious looks, unsure why he was in their class. Ignoring them, Gu Jiabei brushed past without a second glance.

Yun He spent the entire morning in a daze, failing to finish his notes or pay attention in class, and he didn't even notice when the dismissal bell rang.

"Hey Yun, we're leaving. See you this afternoon!" Lin Yong, who sat in front, turned around and said casually.

Yun He didn't respond, so Lin Yong gave him a nudge.

"Huh?" Yun He snapped back to reality.

"What's up with you? You've been out of it all morning, and you didn't even realize school was over," Lin Yong asked curiously.

"School's over?" Yun He asked. That meant he would soon meet Gu Jiabei, and just the thought made his heart race uncontrollably.

Now, Yun He wasn't sure why he had agreed so impulsively to have lunch at Gu Jiabei's house that noon. If he could, the last person he wanted to see right now was Gu Jiabei.

"Gu Shuai!" Lin Yong called out the window.

Yun He looked up at the sound of his name, and as expected, saw Gu Jiabei standing outside the window, waiting for him.

Gu Jiabei nodded slightly at Lin Yong in acknowledgment.

Yun He hastily bid Lin Yong farewell with a "see you this afternoon" before dashing out of the classroom.

Gu Jiabei followed silently behind, and they both exited the school gate without a word. They boarded the bus in silence, with Yun He taking a seat in the front row, while Gu Jiabei sat right behind him.

The journey was quiet all the way.

The noon bus was nearly empty, gliding swiftly through the streets. Gu Jiabei fixated on the back of Yun He's head, the image of Yun He slightly parting his lips resurfacing before his eyes. Those large, innocent eyes resembled those of a vulnerable, young cub facing an unknown threat for the first time—fragile, innocent, and pitiful.

Gu Jiabei took a deep breath, furrowing his brow as he stared at Yun He's nape. He regretted his impulsive behavior that morning; it had been intended as a playful jest, but now it seemed to have crossed a line...

Fifteen minutes later, the bus arrived at their stop. Gu Jiabei waited for Yun He to stand up before rising from his seat. The two descended the bus in silence and entered the residential area, where not many people were about. They ascended the stairs wordlessly and knocked on the door. Zhang Xunmei greeted Yun He warmly upon opening it.

"Little He, come in quickly. Lunch is just ready, perfect timing," Zhang Xunmei smiled warmly.

Yun He forced a smile and greeted her with a polite "Auntie."

Only Zhang Xunmei was home; there was no sign of Gu Jiabei's father.

Yun He washed his hands and sat down at the dining table. Gu Jiabei sat opposite him. As they ate, Yun He felt as if his head was buried in his bowl, unable to lift it up.

"Have more," Zhang Xunmei kept serving food onto Yun He's plate. "Come to Auntie's house for lunch from now on. Anyway, Bei Bei comes back every day for lunch. You two can eat together."

Yun He wanted to say that it wasn't necessary to trouble Auntie, but he couldn't find his voice.

"You look tired," Zhang Xunmei finally noticed Yun He's unusual silence. "Are you feeling drowsy? After we finish eating, you can rest in Bei Bei's room for a while."

"No need, Auntie... I'll just go home and sleep after lunch..." Yun He replied.

"Come to my room after we're done eating," Gu Jiabei finally spoke up. "I have something I want to talk to you about."

Yun He nodded, feeling uneasy and unable to savor the meal.

After dinner, Zhang Xunmei urged them to hurry and take their afternoon rest. They then entered Gu Jiabei's bedroom.

Gu Jiabei closed the door and sat down on the chair in front of his desk. He patted the seat beside him, gesturing for Yun He to sit down. "Come here."

Gu Jiabei's voice was soft yet gentle.

Yun He approached and sat down beside him.

"Y-You…" Gu Jiabei hesitated, searching for the right words.

"You scared me…" Yun He admitted, finally meeting Gu Jiabei's gaze.

Gu Jiabei remained silent, waiting patiently for Yun He to continue.

"I've never even held a girl's hand before, and then you suddenly came close and… touched my lips with your hand. You were like a ruffian," Yun He said, his expression slightly aggrieved. "Of course I got scared… I'd be at a loss if a girl did that to me, let alone a guy like you!"

"…I'm sorry," Gu Jiabei apologized as he gazed at Yun He, whose eyes were wide with indignation and a hint of redness in the corners. He reached out to rub Yun He's head. "It was wrong of me to tease you, to… act like a ruffian."

The term 'ruffian' made the corners of Gu Jiabei's lips curve upward uncontrollably.

"Darn it." Yun He still felt wronged and annoyed, punching Gu Jiabei's arm lightly.

Instead of getting angry, Gu Jiabei chuckled. "Are you feeling better now? Are you still sulking?"

"What do I have to sulk about! I was just a bit startled, that's all. It's no big deal," Yun He retorted.

"That's good." A smile still lingered on Gu Jiabei's lips as he glanced at the digital clock on his desk. "There isn't much time left. Don't bother going back; just rest here for a bit. We'll set off for school together."

Yun He nodded and replied, "Okay."

Gu Jiabei's bed was not large, just a single bed that fit the two boys perfectly when they laid flat. However, their arms would inevitably touch each other.

Yun He slowly closed his eyes, listening to Gu Jiabei's breathing. His arm brushed against Gu Jiabei's skin, and he could smell the scent of Gu Jiabei from the pillow. Yun He felt that everything was a punishment for his lie earlier.

Yes, he had lied. He said he wasn't uncomfortable, but that was a complete fabrication.

At this moment, he felt uncomfortable from head to toe. He wanted to move but dared not, and if he got up and refused to sleep, he was afraid it would make Gu Jiabei think too much. All he could do was endure the passing of every second, and eventually, unable to bear it any longer, he gently turned his head to look at Gu Jiabei with his eyes closed, unsure if he was asleep or not. He couldn't deduce anything from his expression.

"Can't sleep?" Gu Jiabei asked without opening his eyes.

"You're not sleeping either," Yun He whispered.

"Mm," Gu Jiabei replied in a low voice.

"What are you thinking about?"

"I wasn't thinking about anything."

Yun He didn't respond immediately. He gazed at Gu Jiabei for a while before asking, "If you've had a girlfriend before, did you ever kiss her? You seem... quite skilled at it..."

Gu Jiabei opened his eyes and turned to look at Yun He. His dark eyes seemed even more profound. "Mm."

"Well... what's it like to kiss someone?" Yun He secretly clenched his fists but maintained eye contact with Gu Jiabei.

Gu Jiabei was tempted to tease him, to suggest that he try it and find out for himself. But recalling the incident from that morning, he decided it would be wiser not to playfully provoke an inexperienced young man.

So, he casually brushed off the question. "I've forgotten."