EP 19

Jinyuan’s voice rises—first time in forever.
Lin Jinyuan
Lin Jinyuan
You think this is about attention?! He’s hurting, Yuxi. Just like you were.
Lin Yuxi
Lin Yuxi
But I stayed
Lin Jinyuan
Lin Jinyuan
*drops the chain on the table*
Lin Jinyuan
Lin Jinyuan
You stayed…but you still made him feel like he didn’t belong.
Lin Yuxi
Lin Yuxi
*freezes*
Lin Jinyuan
Lin Jinyuan
*walks away*
Zhenyu’s still at the riverbank. Clutching his knees. Shivering. Exhausted.
He remembers the moment he threw the bracelet. Regret hits him in waves.
Lin Zhenyu
Lin Zhenyu
I wanted him to follow me. But maybe he’s tired of chasing too.
Back at the house—
Jinyuan’s phone buzzes.
One message. Unknown number. “Don’t come looking. I just need time.”
Jinyuan stares at it. Then whispers:
Lin Jinyuan
Lin Jinyuan
Too late. I’m already coming
.....
The sky’s cloudy. The wind is biting cold. Zhenyu’s still sitting at the riverbank, knees drawn to his chest, eyes empty, like he’s been holding his breath for hours.
Footsteps
Lin Zhenyu
Lin Zhenyu
You came *voice low, tired*
Lin Jinyuan
Lin Jinyuan
Of course I fucking did
He stands behind him for a second. Just watching. Making sure he’s breathing. Alive.
Then he walks over. Sits beside him. No talking. Not yet.
Lin Zhenyu
Lin Zhenyu
Why do u keep chasing me? *voice cracks*
Lin Jinyuan
Lin Jinyuan
Because every time you run, it feels like you’re trying to disappear. And I’m scared one day you won’t come back.
Zhenyu swallows hard. His fingers dig into the dirt.
Lin Zhenyu
Lin Zhenyu
I diidn’t want you to see me like this again.
Lin Jinyuan
Lin Jinyuan
....
Lin Jinyuan
Lin Jinyuan
You fucking don't get it do u?
Lin Jinyuan
Lin Jinyuan
I care because you’re you. Even when you’re a fucking mess.
A pause.
Lin Jinyuan
Lin Jinyuan
Especially when you’re a mess.
Lin Zhenyu
Lin Zhenyu
Then why do I always feel like second place?! Why do I keep watching you give him everything I wanted first?! *snaps*
Lin Zhenyu
Lin Zhenyu
You give him your words. Your time. Your fucking heart.
Lin Jinyuan
Lin Jinyuan
....
Lin Zhenyu
Lin Zhenyu
You keep holding both of us….But why does it feel like you only want to save him? *his voice cracking*
Lin Jinyuan
Lin Jinyuan
Because I’m fucking scared of losing either of you. *His voice cracks*
Lin Jinyuan
Lin Jinyuan
Because no matter how hard I try, I feel like I’m not enough for both of you. But I’ll keep trying. I’ll fucking die trying.
He pulls Zhenyu into his arms—tight, real, grounding.
Lin Jinyuan
Lin Jinyuan
You don’t come second. You come with me. Every time.
Lin Zhenyu
Lin Zhenyu
Then stop letting me go. *clings to Jinyuan*

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