It wasn't often that Dan Heng truly got to relax with you. Especially not like this. Quiet intimacy, his lips on yours, hands as little brave in their touch as you slumped against him on his bed. Hushed murmurs and soft praises, eyes full of pure affection.

You were childhood friends. Your older brother, Jing Yuan, was friends with his older brother, Dan Feng. You'd known each other since you were practically fresh out of the womb. Vastly different, but inseparable.

Despite your pretend marriages in kindergarten (mostly your doing), by middle school, Dan Heng was the one to give into your proposed "relationship". Deciding that he may as well indulge his feelings and accept his fate as your husband.

Being your boyfriend at the time meant carrying your bag, helping you study, and letting you hold his hand when no one was around. As you got older, that grew into gentle kisses and conversations about a future together. A house, a ring, a couple children running about.

Dan Heng never hesitated. Never spoke with insincerity. He simply promised you'd have that ring once he could buy one he thought worthy of you. Apologising that you had to wait.

Your relationship was a secret, however. To your families, you were close friends. Even to your friends. Anniversary dates and fancy dinners disguised as friendly meet ups. You were always so close, everyone teasing you about being attached at the hip. Yet neither of you faltered, letting your relationship quietly bloom in stolen glances and hidden affection.

Now, in the free time between your first and second semester of college, Dan Feng had started working late. Giving you and Dan Heng some leeway which you so generously indulged in.

But today, you both froze, hearing the front door crack open.

"Heng'er? Are you home?" Dan Feng questioned, making his way upstairs.

Dan Heng's face flushed in embarrassment at that familiar stupid nickname, before he remembered the situation he was in.

You both jumped apart, wincing as you hit the floor, crawling under his bed.

Dan Heng straightened out his clothes, adjusting his glasses and grabbing a book as Dan Feng knocked on his door.

"Come in." He said, clearing the hoarseness out of his voice.

"Don't forget, tomorrow we have dinner with everyone." Dan Feng reminded, leisurely looking around Dan Heng's room. Everyone, being his friend's families. Baiheng and her baby sister Bailu who you and Dan heng often babysit, Yingxing, Jingliu, and of course, you and your brother.

"I haven't forgotten." Dan Heng nodded.

"Speaking of, Jing Yuan's little sister. You're very close to her." Dan Feng began, almost accusingly.

"Yes, we're good friends." He responded nonchalantly.

"Well, you should be... nicer to her. I think that girl may like you." Dan Feng states casually.

"You think... she likes me?" He blinked, as if surprised.

"Yeah. So, be nice to her. If she's anything like her brother, she'll be too scared to make a move, so if you don't feel the same, just let her down gently, alright?" Dan Feng scolded.

"Yeah... alright." Dan Heng nodded.

And with that, Dan Feng left.

"So, you like me?" Dan Heng questioned, a gentle smile on his lips as he helped you out from under the bed.