EP 16
Lin Zhenyu
cake? whose birthday is today?
Lin Jinyuan
It's for your results celebration. You two did so great in the exams
*smiles*
Lin Yuxi
Thank you Ge
*smiles back*
Lin Jinyuan
*puts the cake down*
Lin Jinyuan
Ah-Yu , you did great. Who cares about other opinion, you know you did your best right?
Lin Jinyuan
Now shall we cut the cake?
They celebrated it peacefully and happily
Lin Jinyuan
I also got you two a gift
*smiles*
Lin Jinyuan
*nods happily*
He gives the small black velvet boxes to both of them
A silver pocket watch, sleek, quite, elegant
Inside the cover is engraved:
“Even when time moves too fast—pause. Breathe. I’m still with you.”
Lin Yuxi
*stares at the watch*
A Slim Chain Necklace With a Small Bar Pendant
minimalist not flashy, easy to tuck under his shirt.
Inscribed on the bar:
"I am here. Always"
Lin Zhenyu
*wears it directly*
Lin Zhenyu
I like it
*mumbles*
Student: Zhenyu, is that a chain on your neck? didn't u hate chains
Lin Zhenyu
It can't be touched
*glares*
Lu Haotian
Did u give something to your brother?
Jiang Ruocheng
We just saw Yuxi wearing a watch, if felt like he was showing off
*bites the protein bar*
Lin Jinyuan
Well I gave both of them a gift
Lu Haotian
Are you close with your step bro too?
Lin Jinyuan
He is like my real brother, Haotian
[When Jinyuan is serious he calls Haotin by his real name not nickname]
Later that night, Yuxi is in his room, quietly polishing the silver watch, eyes flicking to the inscription over and over.
He’s alone in his room, sitting on his bed.
The bracelet on his wrist is snug, warm, unfamiliar.
He turns it over in his hand again and again. Eyes stuck on the inside.
His throat tightens. He remembers the cake. The smile on Jinyuan’s face. The gentle warmth.
and something inside him whispers
[You don't deserve any of it]
His mother’s voice echoes in his skull.
“You’re a failure.”
“If Jinyuan was mine, I wouldn’t need you.”
Zhenyu rips the bracelet off—
Clutches it in his fist. Shaking.
He wants to throw it. Break it. Burn it.
He presses it against his chest and he starts crying.
Silently. Desperately. Because he knows… he wants to deserve it.
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