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i.
A dead rabbit lies on his doorstep.
The stench follows him after he closes the door shut. If it's out of sight, then it wouldn't linger on him like a lacquered ghost. Akin to a finishing touch, forever staying its post. He sighs, and goes back outside to stare at the poor creature.
Shen Yuan took care of many strays as a child. Abandoned dogs, cats, even those ducks from the wild-life park— he'd take them in as a pet and raise them. He would never wish any harm on them.
Still, a dead rabbit is in his sight, on his very doorstep.
He'll give this poor baby a proper burial. It's only right.
Things only grow more odd. Rather staying in his belief that it was a one off event, additional dead creatures show up at his doorstep. Their drifting scent stays there now, forever the putrid death overpowers any anti-septic spray. None of his cleaning Ayi can keep up. Their dying scent is not the most relevant piece of information.
"Why the fuck is there a leopard here?! Huh?! Who is doing this!"
The animals did not stay small and cute. No, these "offerings" progressed to larger and scarier beasts!
A spear lounges in its belly. Its foot twitches. By now, having seen much of death, he knows those are one of the last senses to go before dying completely. The leopard would not have time to be saved, even if he tries.
"Hm. I told you to call the law enforcement."
"I can figure this out. Trust me, Jiu-ge."
His brother eyes him, full of righteous judgement, then steps over the body, into the suite's door.
February begins, the air is tight and stiff, the coldness only fills his core with horror. Shen Yuan shakes his head, praying this violent madness would cease.
He does leave a note on the door, one that reads:
"STOP LEAVING DEAD ANIMALS HERE!"
Dead creatures do stop showing up. A slight issue occurs: now, there's sharp objects and other weapons on his doorstep instead.
ii.
A bouquet of roses present themselves on his kitchen table. A vibrant scarlet on each petal, surrounded by a gauzy cloth as a layer to hold close to oneself. Not a speck of green can be seen; the irony in this gift is silly.
On the side, there is a pair of dragon chopsticks. Carved into the twin timbers are the characters for "together" and "rejoice" on each separate pair, just under the tinted golden dragons. The chopsticks themselves are a beautiful red. An auspicious color and one of his personal favorites.
Shen Yuan doesn't need to wonder who gifted these to him. Jiu-ge gives him similar things every Valentine's day; a reminder to never settle for anything he doesn't deserve.
He has such a kind older brother! He smiles, holding the roses close, those spikey thorns covered in silk cloth, unharmed by touch, and holds the chopsticks closer to his heart.
iii.
A child's voice rings out in the middle of the night, somewhere in the air vents. At first, Shen Yuan assumed he was hearing things. A small giggle here, another gasp there; it was easy to ignore. This suite isn't haunted. If it is, then why did a ghost make a sudden appearance?!
Not only does he need to deal with the increase of weaponry in his storage, there's Jiu-ge and his constant paranoia that someone is threatening his dear younger brother! Those dead creatures and knives aren't helping.
Now, he can't sleep in his home.
Did a child recently pass away in the building? Maybe, it was an ill-fated child, destined to die early in life and wanted a peaceful passing in their home.
Shen Yuan isn't close to any of his neighbors, but maybe Jiu-ge would know something. The loud giggles and short greetings at night are less than pleasant. Swollen eyes paint his face, no rest in sight. Even now, on his laptop while reading a story about a harem, the lights remain on while the clock strikes, the outside world asleep.
"I love you," a youthful voice says, and Shen Yuan remains focused on his screen. No ghost child today! No ghost child ever! No thanks! "I made you something. Um, please accept my gift!"
A single swift falls from the vent. On the floor is a paper, one full of colorful scribbles. It is a drawing that shows a wedding between two individuals. One named 'Binghe" and another named "Shen Yuan".
How does this ghost know his name?!
That's it! He's moving out!
… But where?
Plans of moving remain fixed on his mind. Maybe, he could move in with… no, Jiu-ge would never let him. These ideas of sleeping elsewhere do not vanish, rather they cement themselves firmer in his mind on each passing day. Every night without fail, the ghost decides to give him a new drawing, one prettier than the last.
This pattern continues until a day before the fourteenth, where a loud crash is heard from the kitchen and a sharp wail sounds throughout the suite.
Shen Yuan ignores it.
The door to his bedroom creaks open. He freezes, and turns around very slowly. There is a child covered in debris, white coating in thick curls and some blood on their forehead. It feels rather sinister as the child holds out a drawing, a bright smile on that face. All sealed with a low bow.
"My gift to you! Please accept it!"
Shen Yuan does not scream. No, he does not. No one can prove such a thing since the only person in the room is Shen Yuan and Shen Yuan only.
iv.
There is surprisingly Proud Immortal Demon Way merch on his sofa. A few have his favorite protagonist in figurine form and there are hard copies of the series. Each has the main character's signature scarlet demonic mark, glowing whether on book cover or figure. He hasn't ordered any recently, and it isn't Jiu-ge's style to give something as, in his words, "derogatory" as a harem novel on a holiday. Those are saved from regular days when Shen Yuan begs Jiu-ge for merch.
"Wow, what do we have here? Sugar daddy of the author, huh?" Airplane nudges his side. Cucumber slaps the intruder's hand away. Shen Yuan might catch on fire if that hand lingers on him. "Does the author give good blowjobs?"
"I did not buy anything from you. I'm sure you know that already. I have zero clue why new merch is here. Not only that, why is it inside?! We just came in! Binghe! Get out here!"
A small boy comes out from the hallway. He wears a cleaning apron that is soiled to the touch. Grease stains and other fluids don't begin to describe the apron itself. A thin fist holds a mop tightly in one hand. On his face is the brightest smile that Shen Yuan adores.
"Yes, Shizun!"
That name. Shen Yuan doesn't know why Luo Binghe is fixated on calling him 'Shizun'. He's no teacher, barely even a great master of anything!
"Did you open the front door for any reason at all?"
"No, Shizun! I remember what you said: 'Do not open the door to strangers'." Just then, the boy turns and glares at his friend. "Who's he? Stranger danger! Shizun, get away from him!" The boy clutches at Shen Yuan's waist, holding and refusing to let go.
Shen Yuan sighs while his friend mutters, "Did you hire a slave, Cucumber-bro? Who the fuck is he?"
"I can hear you!"
"Binghe, this is Xiang Fei, he's a friend. Don't mind him if he's around. Airplane, this is Binghe. He's kinda like… a stray lingering around."
The boy grumbles a greeting. Still giving a stink eye at the man.
Airplane pulls his friend back. Binghe digs his nails in Shen Yuan's waist. Cementing himself, clearly. "That doesn't really answer my question, dude. Look at the kid! He's wearing a dirty apron."
"He wants to clean! I can't stop him! Now, back to the main topic: who brought in that merch from outside?!"
"I don't know. Maybe it's a Valentine's day gift from yours truly!" Xiang Fei says, pointing to himself proudly. His face paints a light blush; lying and embarrassed by such a falsehood, that's why! The Airplane he knows is too broke to do such a kind thing.
Shen Yuan snorts. "Right, Airplane. I'm being serious. I have a creepy stalker and I don't know who is breaking inside the place. I'll figure it out on my own, then."
His friend deflates while Binghe smirks.
"Do you at least… like the gift?"
"Don't ask a dumb question. But to answer, of course, Airplane. You've seen my room."
This time, Binghe frowns, sulking in a way a cute kid can. So adorable! His pinchable cheeks are so close! Ah! Shen Yuan feels like an old Ayi.
"Shizun… why can't I go into your room?"
"We've been over this. That room is not good for kids. Now go on and play in your room, please."
Binghe cries out. Suddenly, he is reminded of the full week he believed there was a ghost in the vent. That cry haunts him.
He pats the boy, ruffling through thick hair to his thin shoulder. "There, there! Don't cry! Ah, Airplane, help me!"
"That's your kid, not mine."
"Airplane!!!!!"
The wails tamper off, lowering in volume, but his expression remains ever pitiful. The poor boy! Those pouty lips aren't good for his heart! Neither are the blown up eyes!
"If… if Shizun kisses me, I'll feel better."
"Oh, what a sneaky bastard," Airplane mutters.
He ignores that, and plants a kiss on the boy's forehead. His wound is still visible there from yesterday, now with a gentle kiss, it could heal like those fairy-tale books he bought for Binghe. At least, that's what he tells the boy.
The child should revel in child-like fantasies!
The boy's eyes brighten and he stays still for a moment. Shocked, but not quite. Then, he jumps in for a hug.
"Shizun! Shizun, I think I need more kisses, please! Pretty please?"
He can't say no to the boy, and so he indulges.
BONUS
"What do you mean Liu Qingge is the culprit?! That simply isn't possible! Not only that, the man is asexual. Not attracted to any women in the novel, bah! What kind of man isn't attracted to women?!"
"Bro, I wrote him as a gay man."
"Oh… well, that still doesn't solve the mystery that a character from your novel came into this world and started dropping dead animals at my doorstep. Are you on crack? Tell me the truth, Airplane."
Xiang Fei sloshes his drink, barely saving the cup from tipping, lazying on the rolled sofa. Drunk off from tea? The man can be so cute at times. "I saw him, Cucumber-bro! He was on the news for stealing a priceless artifact! One that so happened to be left on your doorstep!"
"I don't believe it. Airplane, stop feeding me lies."
"I'm telling the truth! Believe me! Also, I did give you those PIDW merch! Your brother let me inside with his spare key."
"Jiu-ge, warming up to you? No, never. You know how prickly he is. Can't believe you'd say such an obvious lie to me."
His friend sighs. "Fine, don't believe me."
Just then, a loud knock is at the front door. Must be Jiu-ge. He insists on taking out his precious didi for special occasions like these. If anyone tries to impose, they'd be left with a broken leg, a flat tire, and often found dead in mysterious cases of arson.
Except, Jiu-ge doesn't knock so loudly, or bash the door to scare the neighbors.
"Hold this," he tells Airplane and goes to the front door. Once he opens, his sight is filled of a man. Young and flushed in his cheeks, while long silky hair tied back in a tail, a dimple on one cheek and under one eye is a simple birthmark.
Baby blue robes that gives the man a soft look. But there is nothing innocent about him, not with the long sword at his side, or the additional sword he extends out. It purrs softly with potency, buzzing against the man's touch, and for one crazy moment, Shen Yuan sees the sword moving towards himself.
"Shen Qingqiu. Here. Yours."
What the fuck.
He steps back, retreating inside the place. His heart pounds, a ceaseless thump, finally realizing the danger in front of him.
"Sorry, man. I don't—"
The sword is thrusted into his arms without warning. With a hum, the man is satisfied and leaves.
"I told you! Didn't I tell you?"
Shen Yuan is unable to move, but he finds his voice. Without thinking, he says, "Yeah, that you hired a cosplayer to my doorstep. How much did he cost? Need to crash here while you're unable to pay rent?"
"Cucumber-bro, watch the news. Anyway, I should really leave before your brother finds out I'm here and kills me," Airplane says, looking down, face reddening. Must be hot tea. No other reason. "I… I should go? I should leave."
"Airplane."
"Yes?"
His face heats up as he thinks on what he wants to say. Not how Xiang Fei looks as cute as a girl, or how crude his jokes are. Not when Jiu-ge always insists he can do better. No, nothing what he truly wants to say comes out. And he hates it. Instead, his thoughts jumble and cannot think. Lips in a bite, still, the words spill out without permission.
"I hate you. I mean, um. I don't mean that. You… forget it. Leave, dude."
"… Bro?"
"I… um… go in my bedroom."
"What do you—"
"I do need to repeat myself? Move it!"
"Need me to carry your new books in there? With my weak noodle ar— ACK!"
Slammed onto the door's entrance in a hard kiss, he quiets down. Those lips are delicate, nothing he tasted before. A newness, along with a struggle against learning. The awful taste of energy drinks clashing against the scent of old books. Too much, he pulls away, gasping for air that does not come quick enough.
That's when he hears it: the clamour of keys falling, along with soft petals cascading, reaching the sheen flooring. His stomach ties itself in knots. His brother, staring.
He never imagined his first kiss would be his last.
"Jiu-ge, this is… uh…"
His brother points at the perpetrator, jaded eyes narrow and deadly. "I am KILLING him!"
"Jiu-ge! Gege, no, wait— PUT THAT KNIFE DOWN!"
It takes all of the afternoon to calm Jiu-ge down, his face still in a furious blush, and telling constant reassurances that no, they aren't dating, and no, he doesn't plan on any relationship and yes, only his Jiu-ge has his whole heart and no suitors have room there. All while his crush friend makes a safe getaway. Having an older brother can be so much work! Isn't Shen Yuan the younger brother?! Why does he need to act like the older one!
By then, their Valentine reservations are useless.
He's glad for it. No embarrassing family moments in public would happen. Not that he cares, but Jiu-ge does.
But there is one tiny issue now. Pressed against all other matters aside onto this singular problem. Jiu-ge handcuffs them together and burns the metal key over the stove.
Rejoice together, right?