Would you rather I call you gege? Last time I checked you were displeased with that too.
When I tell the kids about A-Ning and how clever he is, they think it's someone their age so they're more motivated. I won't change it.
Don't worry, I'll wipe your mouth clean like I do with the kids and make sure you don't swallow any seed, lest a watermelon starts growing in your tummy.
That definitely isn't what he meant... how am I going to face him and tell him I delivered it? Do you want me to lie to a baby?
I am not a child, why would you use me as a base for motivating them? And I'm also well aware that watermelon seeds will not sprout in your stomach. Ridiculous, who thinks about that besides children?
I told them they had to eat vegetables to grow beautiful and intelligent and they said nobody can be both things. So you came to mind... I told them A-Ning is both and he surely eats his vegetables. It just happened like that.
I see that you haven't read that latest research by the University of Sisheng Peak. They clearly say that some seeds can stick to the walls of the stomach and linger there. Surely that means they can sprout.
You make it sound like it's a chore. Are you worried it'd be slobbery?
My name is Chu Wanning. Even Wanning would be better than a-Ning.
And you let them continue thinking I am a child? And did not tell them I am a grown-up? Do they even think I am a real person or your cat? Which I am not, by the way. A cat.
I am dubious about this research. That can't possibly happen.
You seem the sort who would not slobber over their partner, but I am unsure why you would want to kiss someone on the cheek who isn't your partner. You should be kissing pretty girls.
But I bet quite a few people call you simply Wanning. Instead where you hear A-Ning you know that it can just be me! [ He's a little too proud of that and his smile soon turns into laughter, to the point he bows his head in greeting to the people who look at him on the subway at the sudden noise. ]
I didn't consider they could think you're my cat. I'll ask them tomorrow. Hm, but I'm not too sure about that last statement... I'll investigate, you seem very similar to a cat.
I'll have you read it!
I don't have a partner and pretty girls aren't my type... if you know what I mean by that. They've never been. Also, I never mentioned the kiss was on the cheek, did I? What if it's on the lips?
There are other ways I would know it is you. You are unmistakable. [ And he doesn't entirely realize how that comes across. ]
And if they suspect I am, you can inform them I am a person. A grown man. Who is not a cat.
Please forward it along. I have suspicions about their claims.
What do you mean, pretty girls aren't your type? I— Oh. I apologize for my assumptions. Pretty boys, then? And I would never accept a kiss on the lips! Don';t be scandalous.
[ his heart gets ahead of him and skips a beat before he can try and convince himself that surely chu wanning didn't mean anything by that. he never does. and yet he can't calm his heartbeat. ] How am I unmistakable, Wanning? [ how naive of him to hold expectation about this answer, when it surely won't mean much to the older man. ]
Your adamant insistence about not being a cat is suspicious. What would be wrong with being cat-like?
It's okay, nothing to apologize for. It used to be pretty boys when I was younger, now it's tall, lean, handsome men with phoenix eyes who are so clever they're completely out of my league. [ and the tragedy is that he can be this obvious and yet the other will stay oblivious. ]
What do you mean scandalous! At our age a kiss on the lips is barely anything. What if I steal it? You're free not to accept it, but I'll deliver it nonetheless.
[ oh no, chu wanning didn't mean to write that in such terms. his cheeks are definitely red, now ] You're tall and broad and handsome, of course, you're unmistakeable. Also, your voice is distinct.
I am insisting I am not a cat or child. There is a difference!
Oh. Whoever that is sounds... very handsome. I am sure you will manage to impress him Mo Ran is charming and diligent and would be a good... partner? [ he doesn't want to think about mo ran dating someone else. ]
Still nonsense. Why would you even want to deliver or steal a kiss from me?
But fine, if you can manage to catch me and do that, I will not object.
[ his smile is a little too wide as he reads those lines over and over again, nearly giddy. he isn't a teenager anymore but now he does feel like one. ] Is my voice distinct in a positive way?
Ahh, so you do admit to being cat-like instead! A grown man, but cat-like.
[ he can't help scoffing, shaking his head to himself when, as expected, chu wanning doesn't understand he's talking about him at all. with how self-conscious mo ran has always found him, that's no wonder: he would never manage to see himself the way mo ran and everyone else does. ] He's incredibly handsome... but he doesn't notice me at all.
...does A-Ning really think I'm charming? And I'd make a good partner? [ wanning wouldn't say things he doesn't mean, would he? mo ran is so dazed looking at his phone screen and smiling like a fool that he nearly misses his stop and has to run out of the subway train, carrying his heavy bag with the gifted watermelon. despite how giant it looks, there's a spring to his steps as he climbs up the stairs. ]
Ah! Is that a challenge? If I manage to catch you, I'm allowed to do as I please? Firstly I'll have to pin you against the wall to make sure you don't run away.
Are you fishing for compliments, Mo Ran? Of course it's distinct in a positive way.
I have had people compare me to cats in the past. I disagree with their sentiments. [ Chu Wanning is, after all, a dog person. ]
How can he not notice you? Is he blind? You should get better taste in potential partners, Mo Ran. You would make a good partner, from what I have observed, but if this person cannot see that, then you could do better. [ It's incredibly awkward for him to talk about this because he wants to be the one Mo Ran sees like that and he has no experience with relationships or romance, but he does know Mo Ran is a very steady, solid man who would be a good partner. ]
I wasn't sure if you just meant I'm loud... but I admit I really like compliments, especially when they're from Wanning. You're one of those few people who always speak their mind, so when you compliment someone it's special.
[ mo ran just can't help laughing because disagreeing to being a cat is especially cat-like. it's because of that attitude of his that he would get compared to cats in the first place. ]
Is he blind? Seriously, I should ask him. But my taste is impeccable! [ it's a little unfair, most likely, letting chu wanning talk like this of the person he doesn't know is actually himself. but mo ran is bordering desperation, he doesn't know how to be more obvious than this. how can chu wanning not have the furthest clue yet, when probably all the neighborhood knows? especially when the older man is saying he'd be a good partner and mo ran is texting him about kissing. ]
What if we were alone in the elevator? Is that considered fair game? I'm probably big enough that, even if someone were to step in, they wouldn't see you if I lean against you in the corner.
You are loud, obviously. But so are many other people, and your voice still sounds out from the group.
[ that probably says more about chu wanning than anything else. ]
Hmm, if you think your taste is impeccable, perhaps you should have your brain examined. [ it hurts to think about mo ran dating someone else, especially this person who doesn't seem him as clearly as chu wanning does, but he dare not let himself think about the possibility that mo ran might like him. ]
I am not that much leaner than you! Am I? They would still likely be able to see. But considering how empty the elevators usually are, it is fair game.
[ if this wasn't chu wanning he was talking to, he would consider that first text a way to tell him he's special, that, even in the midst of people, wanning could find him. but this is indeed the perfectly oblivious and not at all affected by him older man, and so mo ran has to convice his heart to stop skipping beats. ]
I don't know, it's not like you've ever let me get close enough for us to compare... you're tall and have perfect proportions. I am... thick.
Fair game. It's on, then. I'll have that kiss delivered no matter what. You can't go back on your word once we're there!
[ the idea of mo ran getting close enough to compare their heights makes chu wanning's mouth dry, and he has to take a few minutes to compose his message. ]
You are very tall and broad. Sturdy. You are very masculine.
You are so insistent upon delivering this kiss. Is it that important to you?
And do you like masculine, A-Ning? [ he really can't help thinking about how it'd be like to hold him in his arms. with how tall and lean he is, he's sure the older man would fit perfectly. even just the thought makes him squirm, with how much he wants it. ]
Lifting and carrying kids every day keeps me in shape. Once they wanted to try if I could carry all of them.
It's very important. I can't let your little fan down, I gave my word.
Do you dislike the thought of me being so close? I really like it instead... being able to breathe your scent and give you my warmth...
Those things are one and the same, Wanning... what the man who's caught my eye likes and what you like. [ he's too old to do that coy beating around the bush thing. he just can't skirt around it forever fearing to scare wanning away. he'll just chase him, in that case. ]
Sadly I couldn't. Not because they were heavy at all, but because after a few there wasn't room for me to carry them safely. There, I'll show you. [ shortly after he sends a picture of himself probably taken by a colleague, smiling bright and unbothered, dimples making him look younger, with young kids holding to his biceps and hanging from his lifted arms, clinging to his thighs and hanging from his neck and piggyback riding, all of them with faces flushed with laughter. it's clear they adore him and the feeling is very much returned. ]
I run hot, no matter the season. I'm always too warm. It seems to soothe the children a lot, they often ask to be held. Would you like to experience such warmth from up close too, A-Ning?
What are you saying, Mo Ran? The one who caught your eye likes... what I like? [ chu wanning isn't stupid, he knows how to read. some part of chu wanning doesn't want to let himself read into those words.
some part of him is definitely reading into those words. ]
You and your students are adorable. I am pleased they have you as a teacher. You indulge their play.
I am often cold, even in the middle of the summer, so warmth is something I would seek out.
Are you still going to pretend you don't understand it? Should I word it differently? Wanning is the one I like. Of course I need to know your preferences.
Ah, it means a lot hearing that. Life is too harsh and school is too competitive when they're still so young. If I can help them play and be carefree a little longer, I'll do anything in my power to indulge them. If they're happy now, there are more chances they'll become nice adults, don't you think?
We're a match, A-Ning. I'll let you experience how warm being in my arms is. My kisses are really warm too, and the rub of my hands on your skin. Summer or winter, you wouldn't feel cold anymore, don't you want to try it?
There was some probability that I could be making assumptions. Having it spelled out directly is different. No one has ever liked me like that before, so I do not always know what to do here.
[ something he would not admit face to face, and even here finds it hard to be so open about the fact that there are things he doesn't know. ]
I'm sure they will become nice adults, having such an inspiring figure in their lives. Do any of your previous students come to visit you?
I... would like to try that. Though I fear I will make you cold.
Now you can rest assured it's no assumption. Though I would've liked best to tell you in person, I couldn't avoid it anymore.
No one has ever liked you before? How can that be? There's nobody kinder and more clever than A-Ning... So you've never dated anyone? If that's the case, that's good. So you can start with me.
They do. Or I sometimes go visit them since most of them have moved to the closest elementary school. They were telling me how they found their science and technology project difficult, maybe I can bring you over next time.
[ that latest text has him melting, and he just slides along the door to his apartment to sit on the floor, smiling like a fool as he reads it over and over again. he feels like a teenager, butterflies in his stomach. ] I don't find cold uncomfortable. Rather, I welcome it. But I believe I'll make you really warm, instead, once I'm done kissing you. To the point you'll feel feverish.
I am glad you have said as much over messages. I would have run away, otherwise.
I have not dated. There was no one interested; I can be rather short and sharp with people, if you haven't noticed. So I will not always know what to do on dates— Ah, that is, if your interest includes dating.
Mm, I would be glad to help. Curious minds should not be turned away from science for a lack of understanding or instruction. Science is important for children to learn.
It's okay, I would've chased you. But I'm glad that this way you feel less uncomfortable.
They were fools if they were discouraged just by you being sharp, but wait... [ it takes a moment for the information to register, maybe because he wants it so much that he doesn't know if his brain is just making it up. ] ...does that mean that you're okay with going on dates with me?? With me wooing you? Of course I'm interested in dating, A-Ning! What else would I be interested in! [ and right when he thinks he can't like him more, he agrees to helping his kids out with science homework. how is this man so perfect? mo ran can just sigh straight from the heart. ]
Well... I think you'll understand it once you feel it. Some things can't be described. But should we test if I can make you feel warm even at a distance, in the meantime?
I did not wish to presume that you intended for this to go further than... this. Though it makes sense that you would wish to date if you are confessing feelings.
How do you intend to test that? I admittedly am very curious about it.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
I do enjoy watermelon, although it is often messy.
You have delivered the kiss by telling me about it, so that is satisfactory. I will pick up the picture later.
no subject
When I tell the kids about A-Ning and how clever he is, they think it's someone their age so they're more motivated. I won't change it.
Don't worry, I'll wipe your mouth clean like I do with the kids and make sure you don't swallow any seed, lest a watermelon starts growing in your tummy.
That definitely isn't what he meant... how am I going to face him and tell him I delivered it? Do you want me to lie to a baby?
no subject
I am not a child, why would you use me as a base for motivating them? And I'm also well aware that watermelon seeds will not sprout in your stomach. Ridiculous, who thinks about that besides children?
Is it really necessary to kiss me, though?
no subject
I told them they had to eat vegetables to grow beautiful and intelligent and they said nobody can be both things. So you came to mind... I told them A-Ning is both and he surely eats his vegetables. It just happened like that.
I see that you haven't read that latest research by the University of Sisheng Peak. They clearly say that some seeds can stick to the walls of the stomach and linger there. Surely that means they can sprout.
You make it sound like it's a chore. Are you worried it'd be slobbery?
no subject
And you let them continue thinking I am a child? And did not tell them I am a grown-up? Do they even think I am a real person or your cat? Which I am not, by the way. A cat.
I am dubious about this research. That can't possibly happen.
You seem the sort who would not slobber over their partner, but I am unsure why you would want to kiss someone on the cheek who isn't your partner. You should be kissing pretty girls.
no subject
I didn't consider they could think you're my cat. I'll ask them tomorrow. Hm, but I'm not too sure about that last statement... I'll investigate, you seem very similar to a cat.
I'll have you read it!
I don't have a partner and pretty girls aren't my type... if you know what I mean by that. They've never been. Also, I never mentioned the kiss was on the cheek, did I? What if it's on the lips?
no subject
And if they suspect I am, you can inform them I am a person. A grown man. Who is not a cat.
Please forward it along. I have suspicions about their claims.
What do you mean, pretty girls aren't your type? I— Oh. I apologize for my assumptions. Pretty boys, then? And I would never accept a kiss on the lips! Don';t be scandalous.
no subject
Your adamant insistence about not being a cat is suspicious. What would be wrong with being cat-like?
It's okay, nothing to apologize for. It used to be pretty boys when I was younger, now it's tall, lean, handsome men with phoenix eyes who are so clever they're completely out of my league. [ and the tragedy is that he can be this obvious and yet the other will stay oblivious. ]
What do you mean scandalous! At our age a kiss on the lips is barely anything. What if I steal it? You're free not to accept it, but I'll deliver it nonetheless.
no subject
You're tall and broad and handsome, of course, you're unmistakeable. Also, your voice is distinct.
I am insisting I am not a cat or child. There is a difference!
Oh. Whoever that is sounds... very handsome. I am sure you will manage to impress him Mo Ran is charming and diligent and would be a good... partner? [ he doesn't want to think about mo ran dating someone else. ]
Still nonsense. Why would you even want to deliver or steal a kiss from me?
But fine, if you can manage to catch me and do that, I will not object.
no subject
Ahh, so you do admit to being cat-like instead! A grown man, but cat-like.
[ he can't help scoffing, shaking his head to himself when, as expected, chu wanning doesn't understand he's talking about him at all. with how self-conscious mo ran has always found him, that's no wonder: he would never manage to see himself the way mo ran and everyone else does. ] He's incredibly handsome... but he doesn't notice me at all.
...does A-Ning really think I'm charming? And I'd make a good partner? [ wanning wouldn't say things he doesn't mean, would he? mo ran is so dazed looking at his phone screen and smiling like a fool that he nearly misses his stop and has to run out of the subway train, carrying his heavy bag with the gifted watermelon. despite how giant it looks, there's a spring to his steps as he climbs up the stairs. ]
Ah! Is that a challenge? If I manage to catch you, I'm allowed to do as I please? Firstly I'll have to pin you against the wall to make sure you don't run away.
no subject
I have had people compare me to cats in the past. I disagree with their sentiments. [ Chu Wanning is, after all, a dog person. ]
How can he not notice you? Is he blind? You should get better taste in potential partners, Mo Ran. You would make a good partner, from what I have observed, but if this person cannot see that, then you could do better. [ It's incredibly awkward for him to talk about this because he wants to be the one Mo Ran sees like that and he has no experience with relationships or romance, but he does know Mo Ran is a very steady, solid man who would be a good partner. ]
You will have to catch me. While we are alone.
no subject
[ mo ran just can't help laughing because disagreeing to being a cat is especially cat-like. it's because of that attitude of his that he would get compared to cats in the first place. ]
Is he blind? Seriously, I should ask him. But my taste is impeccable! [ it's a little unfair, most likely, letting chu wanning talk like this of the person he doesn't know is actually himself. but mo ran is bordering desperation, he doesn't know how to be more obvious than this. how can chu wanning not have the furthest clue yet, when probably all the neighborhood knows? especially when the older man is saying he'd be a good partner and mo ran is texting him about kissing. ]
What if we were alone in the elevator? Is that considered fair game? I'm probably big enough that, even if someone were to step in, they wouldn't see you if I lean against you in the corner.
no subject
[ that probably says more about chu wanning than anything else. ]
Hmm, if you think your taste is impeccable, perhaps you should have your brain examined. [ it hurts to think about mo ran dating someone else, especially this person who doesn't seem him as clearly as chu wanning does, but he dare not let himself think about the possibility that mo ran might like him. ]
I am not that much leaner than you! Am I? They would still likely be able to see. But considering how empty the elevators usually are, it is fair game.
no subject
I don't know, it's not like you've ever let me get close enough for us to compare... you're tall and have perfect proportions. I am... thick.
Fair game. It's on, then. I'll have that kiss delivered no matter what. You can't go back on your word once we're there!
no subject
You are very tall and broad. Sturdy. You are very masculine.
You are so insistent upon delivering this kiss. Is it that important to you?
no subject
Lifting and carrying kids every day keeps me in shape. Once they wanted to try if I could carry all of them.
It's very important. I can't let your little fan down, I gave my word.
Do you dislike the thought of me being so close? I really like it instead... being able to breathe your scent and give you my warmth...
no subject
Did you manage to carry them all? I would like to see that.
Ah, are you warm?
no subject
Sadly I couldn't. Not because they were heavy at all, but because after a few there wasn't room for me to carry them safely. There, I'll show you. [ shortly after he sends a picture of himself probably taken by a colleague, smiling bright and unbothered, dimples making him look younger, with young kids holding to his biceps and hanging from his lifted arms, clinging to his thighs and hanging from his neck and piggyback riding, all of them with faces flushed with laughter. it's clear they adore him and the feeling is very much returned. ]
I run hot, no matter the season. I'm always too warm. It seems to soothe the children a lot, they often ask to be held. Would you like to experience such warmth from up close too, A-Ning?
no subject
some part of him is definitely reading into those words. ]
You and your students are adorable. I am pleased they have you as a teacher. You indulge their play.
I am often cold, even in the middle of the summer, so warmth is something I would seek out.
no subject
Ah, it means a lot hearing that. Life is too harsh and school is too competitive when they're still so young. If I can help them play and be carefree a little longer, I'll do anything in my power to indulge them. If they're happy now, there are more chances they'll become nice adults, don't you think?
We're a match, A-Ning. I'll let you experience how warm being in my arms is. My kisses are really warm too, and the rub of my hands on your skin. Summer or winter, you wouldn't feel cold anymore, don't you want to try it?
no subject
[ something he would not admit face to face, and even here finds it hard to be so open about the fact that there are things he doesn't know. ]
I'm sure they will become nice adults, having such an inspiring figure in their lives. Do any of your previous students come to visit you?
I... would like to try that. Though I fear I will make you cold.
no subject
No one has ever liked you before? How can that be? There's nobody kinder and more clever than A-Ning... So you've never dated anyone? If that's the case, that's good. So you can start with me.
They do. Or I sometimes go visit them since most of them have moved to the closest elementary school. They were telling me how they found their science and technology project difficult, maybe I can bring you over next time.
[ that latest text has him melting, and he just slides along the door to his apartment to sit on the floor, smiling like a fool as he reads it over and over again. he feels like a teenager, butterflies in his stomach. ] I don't find cold uncomfortable. Rather, I welcome it. But I believe I'll make you really warm, instead, once I'm done kissing you. To the point you'll feel feverish.
no subject
I have not dated. There was no one interested; I can be rather short and sharp with people, if you haven't noticed. So I will not always know what to do on dates— Ah, that is, if your interest includes dating.
Mm, I would be glad to help. Curious minds should not be turned away from science for a lack of understanding or instruction. Science is important for children to learn.
Why would a kiss make me feel feverish?
no subject
They were fools if they were discouraged just by you being sharp, but wait... [ it takes a moment for the information to register, maybe because he wants it so much that he doesn't know if his brain is just making it up. ] ...does that mean that you're okay with going on dates with me?? With me wooing you? Of course I'm interested in dating, A-Ning! What else would I be interested in! [ and right when he thinks he can't like him more, he agrees to helping his kids out with science homework. how is this man so perfect? mo ran can just sigh straight from the heart. ]
Well... I think you'll understand it once you feel it. Some things can't be described. But should we test if I can make you feel warm even at a distance, in the meantime?
no subject
I did not wish to presume that you intended for this to go further than... this. Though it makes sense that you would wish to date if you are confessing feelings.
How do you intend to test that? I admittedly am very curious about it.
1/2
2/2
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)