WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE VILLAIN FALLS IN LOVE? Villain in love 13

NEXT MORNING – HQ

Lai Wexiu walked into the room and stopped dead in his tracks

Lai Wenxiu[Ruoxian’s right hand]

Sir, did u not sleep?

Ruoxian was at his desk. Still in last night’s black shirt. Eyes red. Face blank

Jiang Ruoxuan

She sent a heart *he said quietly, like a man still processing divine intervention*

Lai Wenxiu[Ruoxian’s right hand]

Are you… okay?

Ruoxian looked up, eyes deadly serious

Jiang Ruoxuan

…What if she meant it?

Lai Wenxiu[Ruoxian’s right hand]

What?

Jiang Ruoxuan

The heart. What if… it was intentional? *stood up*

Lai Wenxiu[Ruoxian’s right hand]

…Sir, please

Jiang Ruoxuan

I need to find a florist. Now *whispered under his breadth*

Lai Wenxiu[Ruoxian’s right hand]

*facepalm*

COLLEGE CAMPUS – LUNCH Break

The sun was soft, casting long shadows over the courtyard. Arielle and Minyu were sitting on the grass, sipping bubble tea

Arielle Sky

I am telling you *voice sharp*

Arielle Sky

That Ruoxian guy? Definitely dangerous. Like, mafia-lord-has-bodies-in-the-backyard dangerous

Lian Minyu

Ari...

Arielle Sky

I asked my brother to look into him, and guess what he found?

Arielle Sky

Nothing. Absolutely zero data. The man doesn’t exist *leaned in*

Lian Minyu

Maybe he’s just private? *giggles*

Arielle side-eyed her like she just said she trusts snakes

Before Minyu could reply, a cheerful voice cut through the air—

Jin Siheng

HEY, MINYU!

She turned to see Siheng, grinning, practically bouncing on his feet

Arielle Sky

Isn’t he in your brother’s class?

Lian Minyu

Yep, my brother's best friend

Siheng reached them, slightly out of breath, ruffling his hair awkwardly

Jin Siheng

Hey, Zhaoran got caught up with some professor. He told me to tell you

Lian Minyu

Oh… thanks

Jin Siheng

Since you’re alone… wanna walk with me to the bookstore? *Siheng asked casually, trying to keep his voice cool*

Jin Siheng

I—I need help choosing a book for his birthday

Lian Minyu

Okay let's go, Ari I am leaving with him

Arielle Sky

Kk bye

As they walked through the pathway, Siheng tried to act normal—cool, even—but his fingers twitched every time she laughed, every time her shoulder brushed his

And just as they were laughing about something stupid—

A student with a full drink tray stumbled past. The drink spilled toward Minyu, and Siheng instantly pulled her aside, his hand catching her waist to steady her

They stumbled—barely a second of skin contact

Zhaoran, arriving from the other side of the garden, saw red

Tang Zhaoran

SIHENG!

He stormed over like a goddamn storm cloud

Siheng turned, startled. “Bro—”

Jin Siheng

It was an accident, I—

Tang Zhaoran

You don’t touch her like that

Jin Siheng

She was about to get soaked! I just pulled her away!

Lian Minyu

Gege! Stop! He wasn’t doing anything—

Minyu tried to shove her brother back

Siheng’s jaw clenched. He looked at Minyu, who was clearly upset

Jin Siheng

Next time, I’ll just let her fall. Happy?

Lian Minyu

I am sorry, please don't take it to heart Siheng

Lian Minyu

You know how Ge is..

Siheng gave her a look—one that lingered just a second too long

Jin Siheng

Yeah... I know

Next day

The sky was warm and lazy over the campus, students scattered across the courtyard with laughter and footsteps echoing everywhere

But Siheng stood under a tree, arms crossed, waiting

Because Minyu told him, “Just wait there, he’s gonna apologize if I have to drag him by the ear myself.”

And when it came to his baby sister—Zhaoran had no damn choice.

He came stomping toward Siheng with a thundercloud over his head and his dignity in the gutterHe came stomping toward Siheng with a thundercloud over his head and his dignity in the gutter

Few feet away, Arielle sat with her drink, legs crossed, sunglasses on, watching with the interest of someone who’s seen too many dramas but still wants more

Jin Siheng

Oh? The Ice Prince himself graces me with a visit *Siheng arched a brow, smirking*

Zhaoran stood in front of him, jaw tight, eyes avoiding direct contact

Tang Zhaoran

Shut up

Jin Siheng

Nothing? No lightning bolt of brotherly rage? *Siheng grinned wider*

Tang Zhaoran

I Overreacted, *muttered like it burned his soul*

Jin Siheng

You’re lucky she’s the only one who can guilt trip like a goddamn Jedi. *Siheng rolled his eyes but softened*

[Jedi - group of peacekeepers and guardians]

Tang Zhaoran

I’m sorry, alright?! I shouldn’t have grabbed you like that *heavy sigh*

A pause. Then Siheng nodded with the smuggest grin known to mankind.

Jin Siheng

Apology accepted. Brother

Zhaoran made a face like he was about to vomit

From across the field, Arielle pulled down her sunglasses and muttered

Arielle Sky

These two need couples therapy. Or a cage match

She sipped her drink. Then—

Arielle Sky

Wait *she sat up straighter*

Because walking toward them in the distance was a familiar tall silhouette in a black coat. Jiang Ruoxian. Her eyes narrowed instantly

Arielle Sky

Oh, hell no. Why the fuck is he on campus?