Chapter 8
As the day went by and the final class came to an end, students began to disperse—some heading back to their common rooms, while others made their way to the library to finish up their assignments. The library, a sanctuary of quiet, was filled with the soft rustling of pages and the occasional scratch of quills.
Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng were among those who chose the library, settling at a secluded table. They were ostensibly focused on their studies, but it was clear that Wei Wuxian’s mind was wandering elsewhere.
As he absently twirled his quill between his fingers, Wei Wuxian couldn’t stop thinking about the Veritaserum they had brewed earlier that day. His curiosity was piqued, and his mind raced with possibilities.
Jiang Cheng glanced up, noticing his friend’s distracted state. “Wei Wuxian, are you even paying attention?”
“Hm?” Wei Wuxian blinked, then flashed a grin. “Yeah, I’m paying attention. I was just thinking...”
“About what?” Jiang Cheng asked, sounding skeptical.
Wei Wuxian leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “About the Veritaserum we made earlier. Don’t you wonder what would happen if someone actually drank it?”
Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow. “Why? It’s just a potion that makes people tell the truth. What’s so interesting about that?”
Wei Wuxian smirked. “Well, I just think it would be... enlightening, don’t you?”
Before Jiang Cheng could answer, Qing Yi walked by, arms full of books. He caught a snippet of their conversation and paused, intrigued. “Talking about Veritaserum? Mind if I join you?”
Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng looked up, surprised to see Qing Yi standing there. Wei Wuxian said with a grin. “Of course, Qing YI. Take a seat.”
Qing Yi settled into the chair across from them, setting his books down with a soft thud. “I couldn’t help but overhear. You know, I’ve read that just a single drop of Veritaserum can make someone spill all their secrets. I’m surprised Professor Slughorn let us brew something so potent.”
Jiang Cheng looked genuinely impressed. “Really? Just one drop? That’s pretty intense.”
Wei Wuxian’s eyes sparkled with mischief as an idea began to form in his mind. “Hmm... that’s true. I wonder what would happen if we used it on someone... like Lan Zhan.”
Both Jiang Cheng and Qing Yi turned to Wei Wuxian with raised eyebrows. “Why Lan Wangji?” Jiang Cheng asked, genuinely curious.
Wei Wuxian leaned back in his chair, a playful grin spreading across his face. “Because I’m curious to know what that stoic ice statue is really thinking behind that perfect, unchanging expression. Don’t you ever wonder what goes on in his head?”
Before the conversation could go any further, a calm voice interrupted them. “Whose thoughts are you so eager to know?”
Wei Wuxian froze, his eyes widening as he slowly turned around to find Lan Wangji standing right behind him, holding a couple of books in one hand while the other rested casually in his pocket, a curious expression on his face.
“L-Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian stammered, trying to recover from the shock. “We were just talking about what happened during Potions class today.”
Lan Wangji nodded, a faint sigh escaping him. “The flowers were interesting. They did smell nice.” He glanced over at Qing Yi, his expression softening slightly. “Thank you for being my partner and helping craft our Veritaserum.”
Qing Yi smiled gently, genuinely pleased by the acknowledgement. “You’re welcome, Wangji. It was a team effort.”
Jiang Cheng, who had been observing the interaction with mild surprise, leaned back in his chair and smirked. “Well, look at that. I think we’re witnessing the start of a beautiful friendship.”
Wei Wuxian, however, was silently brooding, his jealousy simmering beneath the surface. He forced a smile, but his mind was already concocting a plan.
Lan Wangji decided to join them at the table for the study session. The four of them continued studying together, but Wei Wuxian’s mind was elsewhere. After a while, Qing Yi excused himself to find a book, and Lan Wangji mentioned needing to use the bathroom.
As soon as they were out of earshot, Wei Wuxian’s eyes gleamed with mischief. He quickly reached into his pocket and pulled out the small vial of Veritaserum they had brewed earlier. With a swift glance around to ensure no one was watching, he uncorked the vial and carefully dropped a single drop into Lan Wangji’s teacup.
Jiang Cheng, catching the movement out of the corner of his eye, frowned. “Wei Wuxian, what are you doing?”
Wei Wuxian grinned conspiratorially. “Didn’t you see how Lan Zhan and Qing Yi were interacting? I want to know if Lan Zhan also likes Qing Yi. I must know!”
Jiang Cheng shook his head, exasperated. “You’re really going to spike his drink just to find out if he likes Qing Yi? Couldn’t you just ask him?”
Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes. “Do you think a person like Lan Zhan would actually answer me if I asked him something like that?”
Jiang Cheng thought about it for a second before replying, “Yes, actually.”
Just then, Qing Yi returned to the table, a stack of books nearly toppling from his arms. “I swear, all the books I need are purposely put out of my reach,” he complained as he set them down with a thud. “Or maybe I’m just too short.”
Wei Wuxian chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “Or maybe the books are just trying to teach you a lesson in perseverance.”
Jiang Cheng smirked. “Or it’s a sign you should start practicing your levitation spells more.”
Qing Yi rolled his eyes good-naturedly, settling into the nearest chair—Lan Wangji’s—without noticing. “Maybe both,” he muttered, reaching for the cup of tea on the table. He took a sip, sighing in relief as the warm liquid went down, oblivious to the growing alarm on Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng’s faces.
“Qing Yi, wait—!” Jiang Cheng called out, too late to stop him.
Qing Yi paused mid-sip, looking up at them with a confused frown. “What?”
Wei Wuxian groaned, running a hand over his face. “You just drank from Lan Zhan’s cup.”
Qing Yi blinked, lowering the cup slowly. “Oh no... did I?” He looked down at the cup in his hand, his eyes widening as the realization hit him.
Wei Wuxian leaned forward, his eyes wide with a mix of disbelief and worry. “Qing Yi, that wasn’t just tea. That was—”
But before he could finish, Qing Yi’s expression changed, his brows knitting together as a strange sensation washed over him. “I feel... funny,” he mumbled, his voice trailing off as he looked between the two of them. “Why are you both staring at me like that?”
Qing Yi blinked a few times, his mind suddenly feeling light and airy. He looked around the room as if seeing it for the first time, then without any warning, he started speaking. “You know, I never really liked that toad Emily had as a pet. It was all slimy and gross, and when it croaked, it sounded like a dying banshee.”
Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng exchanged a stunned look, completely taken aback by the sudden confession.
“And that time it died during the flying lesson, when she dropped it... I felt bad for her, but honestly, I was kinda relieved. That toad was terrifying!”
Jiang Cheng coughed, trying to hide his surprise. “Uh, okay...”
Qing Yi continued, completely oblivious to their reactions. “And don’t even get me started on Divination class. I just make up stuff half the time. Like, who really knows what a teacup full of wet leaves is supposed to say about the future?”
Wei Wuxian raised an eyebrow, glancing at Jiang Cheng again. “Is it just me, or is this getting more and more interesting?”
Qing Yi was on a roll, words tumbling out of his mouth in an unstoppable stream. He turned to Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng, his eyes wide with earnest enthusiasm. "Also," he began, gesticulating wildly, "I've never really understood why people like pumpkin juice so much. It tastes like someone tried to make soup but forgot to add any actual flavor. It's just... so gross!"
Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng exchanged bewildered glances, unsure how to respond. Wei Wuxian, trying to grasp the sudden confession, hesitated before asking, "Pumpkin juice? Really? That’s what’s on your mind?"
Qing Yi nodded earnestly, oblivious to their confusion. "And what’s with Hufflepuffs always being so nice? Sometimes, I just want to tell them to *beep* off with their endless optimism! No one can be that cheerful all the time!"
Jiang Cheng’s eyebrows shot up in shock. "Uh, Qing Yi... you’re talking about people we see everyday. Are you sure you want to say this out loud?"
But Qing Yi was unstoppable. "Also, I’ve always thought the way some of the Slytherins act, like they’re so mysterious and aloof... it’s just them trying too hard to look cool. It’s more annoying than anything!"
Wei Wuxian, now clearly worried, leaned closer to Jiang Cheng. "This is getting out of hand. We need to stop him.”
Jiang Cheng shook his head, just as concerned. "I don’t think we can. He’s completely under the truth serum’s influence."
Just then, Qing Yi looked at them with a serious expression. "And another thing," he said, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper, "I’ve always thought Professor Flitwick’s mustache looks like a caterpillar trying to escape from his face. I don’t know why no one else has mentioned it!"
Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng exchanged bewildered glances, momentarily stunned by Qing Yi's rapid-fire observations. As the absurdity of his comments sank in, Wei Wuxian's lips twitched into a smile.
"Now that you mention it," Wei Wuxian mused, "Flitwick's mustache does have a certain... liveliness to it."
Jiang Cheng, fighting back a smirk, nodded slowly. "It does seem to have a mind of its own. Like it's plotting its getaway."
Qing Yi, encouraged by their reactions, leaned in closer, his voice still dripping with earnestness. “Exactly! And you know what else? I don’t understand why Professor Trelawney always smells like a mixture of old books and something weirdly floral. It’s like she’s hiding a garden in her robes or something.”
Wei Wuxian, now fully on board, couldn’t help but chuckle. “Maybe that’s where she gets her prophecies from—secretly consulting with a bunch of flowers under those shawls.”
Jiang Cheng smirked, adding, “And I always wondered why Professor Binns still teaches. He’s a ghost, right? Shouldn’t he have other ghostly things to do? Why would he want to spend his afterlife droning on about goblin wars?”
As they continued to share their lighthearted observations, the conversation grew increasingly animated. Their laughter echoed through the room, a stark contrast to the serious atmosphere from moments ago.
Just then, Lan Wangji returned from his bathroom break, silently taking his seat next to Qing Yi. Without missing a beat, Qing Yi turned to him, his cheeks flushing red as he spoke.
“Oh, Lan Wangji! I’ve always admired how cool and composed you are. But you know, every time I see you, I can’t help but think about your brother, Lan Xichen. He’s so warm and mature, and honestly... really, really good-looking.” Qing Yi’s cheeks flushed bright red as he spoke, completely uninhibited by the truth serum. “I mean, you’re great and all, but Lan Xichen? He’s on a whole other level.”
Lan Wangji’s entire posture stiffened at Qing Yi’s words. The sudden and candid confession left him momentarily speechless.
“Uh... Qing Yi...” Lan Wangji’s voice wavered slightly, a rare hint of discomfort showing through his normally composed exterior. He could hardly believe what he was hearing, especially considering Qing Yi's earlier insistence on secrecy.
But Qing Yi wasn’t finished. “Even your voice is kind of similar to his, though. It’s like every time you speak, it reminds me of him... and gosh, I miss him already.” He sighed wistfully, covering his mouth in sudden realization. “Oh no! But you guys aren’t supposed to know that!”
Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng were frozen, their mouths slightly open in shock as they processed everything they had just heard.
Lan Wangji slowly turned to them, his usually calm expression tinged with confusion and suspicion. “What did you two do?””
Jiang Cheng’s eyes darted nervously, trying to come up with an explanation, but before he could speak, Wei Wuxian jumped in, his curiosity getting the better of him. “Hold on a second... Lan Xichen? Are you telling me you’re into Lan Xichen and not Lan Wangji?”
Lan Wangji turned sharply to Wei Wuxian, his stoic demeanor giving way to visible confusion. “You thought Qing Yi liked me?”
Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened in realization, the pieces of his misunderstanding clicking into place. “Oh... oh no...” He blinked rapidly, his usually sharp mind suddenly scrambling for words. “That’s... well, that’s awkward.”
Meanwhile, Qing Yi, still under the relentless effects of the truth serum, nodded enthusiastically. “No, no, I like Wangji too! But not in a romantic way! He’s really smart, and calm, and honestly, just amazing to work with... but his brother, Lan Xichen?” Qing Yi’s voice took on a dreamy tone, his cheeks flushing with unabashed admiration. “Lan Xichen is... just incredible! He’s kind, he’s brilliant, and when he smiles at me, it’s like the whole world disappears and—”
Qing Yi abruptly slapped his hands over his mouth, eyes wide with horror as he realized what he had just said. “AHH! You weren’t supposed to know that!” he wailed, his voice muffled by his hands. “Why won’t my mouth stop?! Please, someone make me stop talking!”
Wei Wuxian’s jaw dropped, completely taken aback by the depth of Qing Yi’s confession. He tried to stifle a laugh, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Wow, Lan Xichen’s got quite the fan, huh? I didn’t see that coming.”
Lan Wangji, seeing Qing Yi’s increasing distress, gently patted him on the shoulder, trying to calm him down. “Qing Yi, why don’t you take a deep breath and calm down first...”
Jiang Cheng, still trying to process everything, glanced at the clock and asked, “So, uh... how long does the effect of the potion last?”
Without missing a beat, Qing Yi blurted out, “It depends on the potency of the brew! Since this was just a lesson, the effects should wear off in a few hours. But right now, I just can’t stop talking!”
Lan Wangji nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Alright then, for the next few hours, let’s agree not to say anything or ask anything about... Qing Yi’s love interest, since it’s clear he doesn’t want anyone to know.”
But before the others could even respond, Qing Yi immediately started up again, his words spilling out uncontrollably. “Speaking of love interests, Wangji, does your brother have any? And... do you think he’s into guys too? Oh no, judging from how popular he is, he’s probably only into girls.” His voice wavered, and before anyone could react, he paused and then began to sob, his shoulders shaking as the reality of his situation seemed to hit him all at once.
The boys stared at him, completely stunned by the sudden shift from blunt honesty to emotional breakdown. They exchanged helpless glances, clearly unsure of how to handle Qing Yi’s unfiltered emotions.
Lan Wangji, who had never dealt with something like this, awkwardly tried to comfort him, his voice soft but uncertain. “Um... I’m not sure about my brother’s preferences, but…”
Before he could finish, Qing Yi’s sobs turned into a hopeful gasp. “Oh? Then... do you think there’s a chance for me?” His face lit up briefly, but then he groaned, burying his face in his hands. “Oh gosh, stop behaving like this, Qing Yi! Guys, I’m so sorry... I can’t control it!”
Wei Wuxian, who had been watching the whole scene unfold with growing impatience, finally had enough. He leaned forward, his tone blunt but not unkind. “Okay, Qing Yi, if this is bothering you so much, why don’t you just go ask him yourself? I mean, this is driving me nuts too, and honestly, I just want to see you happy.”
Qing Yi’s eyes widened, the idea of confronting Lan Xichen directly making him freeze for a moment. “Ask him? Really? Do you think that’ll work?”
Wei Wuxian shrugged, trying to sound casual despite the chaotic situation. “Well, it’s the only way to find out, right? If he’s straight, then you’ll know, and if he’s not, then you’ve got a shot. The only way to know for sure is to ask him.”
Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng sat in silence, both clearly bothered by the direction this was heading. They exchanged a wary look, and Jiang Cheng muttered under his breath, “This is a really bad idea...”
But the truth serum’s effect, combined with Wei Wuxian’s words, seemed to fill Qing Yi with a sudden burst of confidence. “Right! I’m gonna go ask him right now!” he declared, jumping to his feet with determination. Without another word, he dashed out of the library in search of Lan Xichen.
Wei Wuxian called after him with a wide grin, “Good luck!”
As soon as Qing Yi was out of sight, Jiang Cheng let out a long sigh, rubbing his temples in frustration. “I really don’t think this is going to end well...”
Wei Wuxian paused for a moment, considering the situation, then grinned mischievously. “Let’s follow him. This is too good to miss.”
Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng both groaned, but they stood up, clearly resigned to whatever chaos was about to unfold. They exchanged one last look, silently agreeing that this was one of the more ridiculous things Wei Wuxian had dragged them into.
And with that, the three of them hurried after Qing Yi, ready to see just how this wild plan would play out.
Qing Yi wandered through the castle corridors, heart pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The truth serum had fueled his determination, and he was now on a mission to confess his feelings to Lan Xichen. After searching through several hallways, he finally spotted Lan Xichen standing by the courtyard fountain, his serene smile as captivating as ever.
But Qing Yi’s elation was short-lived. His eyes widened, and his heart sank as he saw that Lan Xichen wasn’t alone. Jiang Yanli was with him, her gentle demeanor contrasting with the nervous excitement in her eyes. Qing Yi watched, his emotions swirling, as Lan Xichen spoke softly to her.
“Jiang Yanli,” Lan Xichen began, his voice warm and sincere, “I’ve admired you for some time now. Would you consider... going out with me?”
Jiang Yanli hesitated, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink. She looked down, fiddling with the hem of her robe, before looking up at him with a shy smile. “I... I’m not sure, Lan Huan-Ge. Can I give you my answer tomorrow?”
Lan Xichen’s eyes sparkled with hope. “Of course, I’ll wait for your answer.”
Qing Yi’s world seemed to shatter in that moment. The love of his life had just asked someone else out, and the intensity of his emotions, heightened by the truth serum, hit him like a tidal wave. He felt his heart breaking, the pain so raw and overwhelming that he couldn’t hold back the torrent of feelings surging within him.
As Jiang Yanli politely excused herself and walked away, Qing Yi, unable to contain himself, called out, “Lan Xichen!” His voice was laced with anguish and barely suppressed anger.
Lan Xichen turned, surprised to see Qing Yi marching toward him with a determined, almost furious expression. He had no idea what had brought this on, but he greeted Qing Yi with his usual gentle kindness. “Good evening, Qing Yi. How was your day?”
Qing Yi froze at the sight of Lan Xichen’s warm smile, his resolve wavering for a moment. But the sight of Lan Xichen’s concerned expression as he noticed Qing Yi’s tear-streaked face brought the emotions rushing back.
“Qing Yi,” Lan Xichen said, stepping closer, his voice filled with concern. “Why are you crying? Did someone hurt you?”
Qing Yi’s chest heaved with the weight of his emotions. He looked up at Lan Xichen, his eyes burning with unshed tears. “Yes! YOU did! I can’t believe you’re straight after all!”
Lan Xichen blinked, utterly bewildered by Qing Yi’s outburst. “Straight... after all?” he repeated, the confusion evident in his voice.
(*beep* = curse word. Use your imagination ^^)
Qing Yi’s frustration boiled over, and before he could stop himself, he began to rant, his words tumbling out in a barely coherent stream. “I can’t *beep* believe I thought you were *beep* cool! I mean, you are still cool, but you just had to go and like someone else! You’re the most *beep* frustrating, *beep* unfair, *beep* confusing person I’ve ever met! And *beep*, why do you have to be so *beep* nice about it?!”
Lan Xichen stood there, frozen in shock as Qing Yi unleashed his tirade, the normally composed young man now a whirlwind of emotions and censored expletives. The sheer absurdity of hearing Qing Yi, usually so polite, curse in such a way left him speechless.
“And another thing!” Qing Yi continued, his voice rising as the truth serum fueled his outburst. “I can’t believe I spent so much time *beep* admiring you, thinking you were this *beep* perfect, kind, and *beep* wonderful person, and now you’re just... just... a *beep* heartbreaker! How could you do this to me?! I thought you were different! But no, you’re just like all the other *beep* heartbreakers out there!”
Lan Xichen’s eyes widened with every word, his usually calm and composed demeanor completely shattered by the barrage of unexpected and colorful language. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out—he was too stunned to even form a coherent thought.
Qing Yi, realizing what he had just done, felt his face flush with deep embarrassment. He clapped his hands over his mouth, his eyes wide with horror. “Oh no! I didn’t mean to say all that! I’m so *beep* sorry, Senior Lan!”
With that, Qing Yi spun on his heel and bolted down the corridor, his panicked apologies echoing behind him as he ran. “I’m so sorry! Please forget everything I said!”
Lan Xichen remained rooted to the spot, utterly stunned and completely unsure of what had just happened. He watched as Qing Yi’s figure disappeared around a corner, still processing the string of…colorful vocabs and raw emotion that had just been hurled at him.
Finally, after a long moment, Lan Xichen blinked, his mind still reeling from the unexpected encounter. “What... just happened?” he murmured to himself, trying to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions that had just passed through.
He stood there for a few more moments, his expression caught between disbelief and confusion, before slowly shaking his head, still trying to wrap his mind around Qing Yi’s dramatic exit.
Qing Yi, still flustered and mortified by his earlier outburst, raced through the corridors of the castle, his mind a chaotic mess of emotions. He needed to get back to his common room as quickly as possible—to hide away and wallow in his embarrassment. His heart pounded as he turned a corner and nearly collided with a trio of familiar figures: Wei Wuxian, Jiang Cheng, and Lan Wangji.
The three of them looked up, startled as Qing Yi approached them with frantic energy. Wei Wuxian was the first to react, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in Qing Yi’s disheveled and distressed state. The corners of his mouth twitched, but concern edged into his tone as he asked,
“Qing Yi, are you okay? Did it... not go well?”
But before anyone could say anything more, Qing Yi locked eyes with Lan Wangji and blurted out, “I can’t *beep* believe you didn’t tell me your brother was *beep* straight!”
Lan Wangji’s eyes widened, he hadn’t expected Qing Yi to confront him like this. He opened his mouth to respond, but Qing Yi was already on a roll, his words spilling out in a torrent.
“I mean, aren’t you *beep* brothers? Shouldn’t you know?!” Qing Yi continued, his frustration evident in his tone. “I’m so sorry, Wangji, I’m glad you didn’t tell me though. I’m so * beep* sorry! I guess you did warn me about it... You did offer to help too. I’m so * beep* sorry!”
Lan Wangji remained calm, though clearly surprised by the intensity of Qing Yi’s emotions. He tried to interject, “Qing Yi, why don’t you calm down for a moment—”
Qing Yi, realizing he was on the verge of another emotional outburst, quickly backtracked. “No, I’m just... I need to go,” he stammered. “I’m heading back to my dormitory!” Without waiting for a response, he turned and bolted down the corridor, leaving the three of them standing there in stunned silence.
For a long moment, none of them spoke, each trying to process what had just happened. Lan Wangji’s usually stoic expression faltered, a rare uncertainty flickering in his eyes as he grappled with how to react to Qing Yi’s outburst. Jiang Cheng looked equally bewildered, while Wei Wuxian was the first to break the silence.
“Wow...” Wei Wuxian muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. “Remind me not to use Veritaserum on anyone ever again. Poor Qing Yi...”
Jiang Cheng shot Wei Wuxian a pointed look. “This is exactly why I warned you.”
Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the small grin tugging at his lips. He glanced over at Lan Wangji with a mix of apology and amusement.
“Well, I guess Qing Yi’s confession didn’t go as planned with your brother, and somehow you ended up as collateral damage. Sorry about that, Lan Zhan—didn’t see that one coming!”
Jiang Cheng, arms crossed, didn’t miss a beat. “Yeah, and whose fault is that, I wonder?”
Wei Wuxian grinned sheepishly. “Alright, alright, maybe I nudged things along a bit...”
Lan Wangji stood quietly, his expression thoughtful as he processed everything that had just happened. The three of them exchanged looks, each understanding the gravity of what they had just witnessed. The echo of Qing Yi’s retreating footsteps still lingered in the air, filling the corridor with an uneasy silence.
()()()()()
That evening, as Lan Wangji returned to the Ravenclaw common room, his usually calm demeanor was clouded by a distant expression. The events with Qing Yi weighed on his mind, making it hard to focus on anything else. He entered the room, his eyes immediately finding Lan Xichen, who sat near the fireplace with a similar look of deep thought on his face.
Lan Xichen, too, seemed lost in his thoughts, his usually composed expression tinged with a hint of distraction. It was clear that something was occupying his mind, and it wasn’t hard to guess what.
Lan Wangji approached quietly and took a seat across from his brother. He opened his book, attempting to read, but the words blurred on the page as his mind replayed the strange encounter with Qing Yi.
Lan Xichen noticed his brother’s uncharacteristic preoccupation, and the way his eyes weren’t quite focused on the book in front of him. With a soft smile, he decided to break the silence. “Wangji, you look like you’ve been pondering the mysteries of the universe. Is something bothering you?”
Lan Wangji blinked, brought out of his thoughts by his brother’s gentle teasing. He hesitated for a moment before responding, his tone serious yet tinged with uncertainty. “It’s nothing… serious. I’ve just been thinking about what happened today and…” His voice trailed off as the memory of Qing Yi’s chaotic behavior under the influence of the Veritaserum came to the forefront of his mind.
Lan Xichen tilted his head slightly, curiosity evident in his eyes as he watched his brother struggle with his thoughts. It was rare to see Lan Wangji so hesitant, and it piqued his interest. “And…?” he prompted, his gentle tone encouraging Lan Wangji to continue.
Lan Wangji took a quiet breath before speaking again. “There was an incident with the Veritaserum we crafted in Potions class today. Wei Ying… somehow ended up making Qing Yi drink it.”
Lan Xichen’s eyes widened in surprise, the memory of his earlier interaction with Qing Yi flashing through his mind—an encounter filled with unusually colorful vocabulary. “Qing Yi drank the Veritaserum? Really?”
Lan Wangji nodded, his expression serious as he continued. “Yes, Qing Yi accidentally ingested it, and… he ended up speaking quite openly about many things. Including… his feelings for you.”
Lan Xichen’s reaction was immediate and unguarded. His eyes widened further, a faint blush spreading across his cheeks as he processed what his brother had just said. “Feelings? For… me?” His voice wavered slightly, the calm he usually maintained slipping for a moment. “I… I didn’t expect that.”
There was a brief pause as Lan Xichen began to piece things together, the realization dawning on him. “No wonder he… I mean… his words today were more expressive than usual,” he added, still trying to wrap his mind around the revelation.
Lan Wangji nodded in silent confirmation as Lan Xichen pieced together the situation. A contemplative sigh escaped Lan Xichen as he regained his composure, his hand lightly covering his mouth as he thought carefully about his next words.
“Well… as flattered as I am by Qing Yi’s feelings for me… I don’t see him in that way. He’s still young, and I suspect his feelings may be more admiration for an older classmate than anything deeper.”
Lan Wangji considered his brother’s words thoughtfully. “If he does decide to confess, it might be best to make things clear,” he suggested gently. “So he doesn’t misinterpret your kindness.”
Lan Xichen hesitated, clearly torn between concern for Qing Yi’s feelings and the need to set boundaries. He glanced at his brother, who met his gaze with calm understanding. “Right... I suppose I’ll have to be delicate about this,” Lan Xichen murmured, running a hand through his hair as he mulled over how best to approach the situation.
Lan Wangji remained silent for a moment, his expression indicating deep thought. Finally, he said, “Qing Yi is... sensitive. If he does confess to you, and you don’t feel the same, it’s important that you don’t treat him any differently. It might hurt him more if you do.”
Lan Xichen looked at his brother in mild surprise, not expecting such insight into emotions from him. A gentle smile spread across his lips as he realized just how much Lan Wangji cared for his friend. “Don’t worry,” he assured, his voice soft. “I won’t treat Qing Yi any differently, whether he confesses to me or not.”
Lan Wangji met his brother’s gaze for a moment and simply nodded before returning to his book. But Lan Xichen’s smile lingered as he looked at his younger brother, finding a new appreciation for his thoughtfulness. “I didn’t expect you to be so considerate of your friend’s feelings. It’s... nice to see.”
Lan Wangji’s expression softened slightly, a rare warmth in his voice. “Only when it’s necessary.”
Lan Xichen chuckled softly, the tension easing as his thoughts drifted back to Qing Yi’s confession. “But... I have to admit, it’s a little flattering, even if it was unexpected.”
A subtle smile tugged at the corners of Lan Wangji’s mouth, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Just another admirer to add to your list.”
Lan Xichen laughed again, this time more relaxed, the warmth in his tone clear. “I don’t have a ‘list’ of admirers,” he replied, his voice tinged with playful sarcasm. “But I’ll have to be careful not to let it go to my head. I will talk to him, gently, as you suggested.”
As they settled back into their seats, Lan Xichen glanced over at Lan Wangji, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. “So, how exactly did Wei Ying manage to get Qing Yi to drink the truth serum?”
Lan Wangji shook his head slightly, a look of genuine bewilderment crossing his face. “I’m not entirely sure. Knowing Wei Ying, he might have spiked his drink or found some other way to make it happen. But after Qing Yi confessed his feelings for you... Wei Ying thought it would be a good idea to suggest that Qing Yi should confess to you directly.”
Lan Xichen chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. “That sounds like Wei Ying, alright. Always pushing things along in his own way, even if it means causing a bit of chaos.”
Lan Wangji sighed, though there was a faint smile on his lips. “Yes, his methods are questionable, but his intentions are always good.”
With that, the two brothers returned to their books, the warmth of the fire and the comfort of their conversation easing the tension of the day. Despite the unexpected twists and turns, there was a quiet reassurance in knowing that whatever challenges lay ahead, they could face them together.
****
After finishing his bath and getting ready for bed, Qing Yi felt a sense of dread lingering in the back of his mind. As the effects of the truth serum finally wore off, an overwhelming wave of exhaustion crashed over him. Barely making it to his bed, he collapsed face-first onto the mattress, his face buried deep in his pillow. He tried to piece together the fragmented memories of what had just transpired, but the more he recalled, the redder his face became.
"Oh no... Oh no, no, no..." he muttered into his pillow, his voice muffled but filled with dread. He started squirming around on his bed, the embarrassment washing over him in waves. "Why did you do that? Why did you say that? Oh my gosh, I wanna die! Aah! Aah!"
His roommates, Nie Huaisang and two other Slytherin boys, watched from the side with wide eyes, their expressions a mix of confusion and concern. As Qing Yi continued to alternate between squirming and shouting, the boys exchanged increasingly worried glances, their brows furrowed and mouths slightly agape, clearly unsure of what to make of the situation.
Nie Huaisang cautiously approached Qing Yi, who was still writhing around in mortification. "Uh... Qing Yi? Are you... okay?" he asked, his voice tentative as if afraid of what answer he might receive.
Qing Yi, his face still pressed into the pillow, groaned dramatically. "No! I just want to dieeeee!"
The two other boys, already on edge, gasped in horror. One of them, eyes wide with alarm, immediately jumped to the worst conclusion. "Oh no! Don’t say that! Do you have... suicidal thoughts? If you do, you should seek help immediately!"
The second boy nodded vigorously, his face pale with fear. "Yeah, yeah! Life is precious, Qing Yi! You can’t just give up! Think of all the wonderful things you still have to experience!"
Nie Huaisang, who was trying to be the voice of reason, found himself caught up in the panic as well. He knelt beside Qing Yi, his tone turning serious and overly sentimental. "That’s right, Qing Yi! You can’t let one bad day get you down. Life is full of ups and downs, but every moment is a treasure! You have to keep going, no matter how hard things get! We’re here for you, okay? We’ll get through this together!"
Qing Yi finally lifted his head from the pillow, his face still flushed with embarrassment. "You guys... you don’t understand. I don’t want to die... I just... Ugh! I just made such a fool of myself!"
The boys let out a collective sigh of relief, their tense expressions easing into awkward smiles. "Oh," one of them muttered, "well, that’s... good to know."
Nie Huaisang gave Qing Yi a sympathetic smile, "See? It’s not that bad. We’ll all forget about it soon enough."
Qing Yi groaned again, burying his face back into the pillow. "I doubt it..."
The other boys exchanged one last confused glance, unsure whether to laugh or continue being concerned. But one thing was clear: their friend was in the midst of a serious case of post-embarrassment regret, and they were going to be there for him, even if they didn’t fully understand why.