Chapter Text
Inside the large castle walls, Lu Guang was sitting down in a cushioned chair awaiting his best friend.
Xiaoshi had frantically written him various letters, each insisting that Lu Guang simply had to show up for a cup of tea a tea that was beginning to grow colder with every passing minute.
"Apologies for our young lord's tardiness. He is still getting ready." A maid called out; her cheeks flushed as she looked upon the young alpha. Lu Guang hummed as he swirled his tea cup around.
"LU GUANG!!" A loud voice echoed as feet ran down the long stairs. The alpha lifted his gaze as the maid quickly took her leave.
"I see you're still not punctual." Lu Guang scolded Xiaoshi as the enigma took a seat in front of him. The alpha lowered his tea cup as he stared at Xiaoshi with a glare.
"Haha, very funny, Guang Guang," replied Xiaoshi with an awkward smile. Lu Guang huffed as he pulled on his white strands of hair.
"So, why did you call for me?" The alpha finally asked, eyeing the raven-haired man.
"Come on, Lu, don't say things like that. We are best friends; we have to see each other at least once in a while, maybe more," Xiaoshi stated as he stared at the alpha.
Lu Guang said nothing as he bit into one of the cookies next to his tea.
Xiaoshi blinked before he laughed out loud.
"We should get straight to business then, Guang Guang," piped out the enigma with a large smirk.
"I'm getting married!" Yelled out Xiaoshi with a big grin, Lu Guang choked on his cookie as he coughed loudly.
"Careful!" Xiaoshi stood up immediately, patting his friend's back as tears fell down the alpha's eyes.
Lu Guang wiped away his tears as he composed himself once again, his heart pounding rapidly while his breathing momentarily stalled.
"Married?..." he muttered out as he covered his mouth with his hand.
"Yup! Can you believe it?" No. Lu Guang cannot believe it. He was stunned as he felt a sudden ache in his chest.
Xiaoshi, unaware of his friend's turmoil, began speaking.
"I'm honestly shocked I'm getting married before you." Xiaoshi cooed as he waved his fingers in Lu Guang's face.
"Stop that." The alpha gently swatted his hand away.
“I honestly thought it would be you getting married, Lu. I mean, you’re quite a catch you have such beautiful hair, flawless skin, a handsome face, and an incredible personality,” Xiaoshi pointed out.
Lu Guang’s throat went dry, his face flushing at the unexpected compliment.
"Idiot." The enigma only chuckled at the insult as he took a seat.
"Come on, Guang Guang, don't be like that." Xiaoshi pouted, taking a hold of Lu Guang's hand.
"You know you'll definitely be my best man at the wedding." Winked Xiaoshi with a smug grin.
The alpha sat motionless as a small smile tugged at his lips.
"Congratulations, I'm happy for you." He whispered between them, his voice cracking.
Xiaoshi's eyes went wide as Lu Guang tugged himself away from his hold.
"Cheng Xiaoshi, who are you getting married to?" He managed to ask while avoiding all eye contact.
Xiaoshi froze, his body going cold as he stared at the white-haired man. They had known each other since infancy, yet Lu Guang had never addressed him by family name.
"Cheng Xiaoshi?" There it was again...he felt like Lu Guang were simply treating him as a royal. Was there no trace of their friendship between them? Sure, he called Lu Guang by his family name but only because the alpha wanted it that way.
"Lu Guang... Will we always be best friends?" The question shocked Lu Guang as he fidgeted in his seat. "Don't be ridiculous. Of course we would! There's no one in the world that's as close to me as you." Lu Guang confessed placing his hands on top of Xiaoshi's own.
That single touch caused the raven-haired man to feel warmth course through him. He chuckled. How terrible of him to assume Lu Guang would abandon him.
"What brought this on?" Lu Guang raised a brow, leaning back into his seat, his hold leaving a ghosty touch.
"No reason." The white-haired man was silent he could read Xiaoshi like a book. There was obviously something bothering him, but what?
Lu Guang picked up his cup of tea with both hands as he took a slow slip, his eyes closing while he savored the taste.
Xiaoshi exhaled silently as he watched the way his best friend's eyelashes fluttered, his lips puckering the rim of the cup, the light hitting him perfectly with those closed eyes.
He knew, knew exactly how gorgeous Lu Guang was sometimes he wondered why the man before him presented as an alpha.
Lu Guang finished his sip as he lowered the teacup his eyes slowly opening as he licked his lips, causing them to gloss.
"Milk tea?" He exhaled, a small smile creeping up his lips.
Xiaoshi sucked in a breath he didn't know he needed. That smile was to die for.
"Yes, I had it personally made for you." Lu Guang covered his mouth using his right hand to hide his flustered face. He remembered having briefly said it during their childhood.
To think Xiaoshi remembered made his heart swell. A feeling that quickly vanished just as it came.
"How lovely." Coldness flickered over Lu Guang's face. This was it he was no longer going to just stay here to listen to his friend ramble on about this marriage.
"Pardon me. I have business to attend." He turned his back, hair swaying with hurried steps. Lu Guang had tried, really tried, to keep himself composed, though at the present he couldn't do it.
Xiaoshi stood up, hands gripping the table while he watched his friend's shrinking figure. Something was definitely wrong...usually they would speak for hours, yet now it seemed he was being avoided.
Maybe the alpha felt sick it was only natural. Lu Guang doesn't hate him, right? Right?...
Yes, he was going to give the alpha some space a few days should be good, right? He did have a wedding to prepare for, and he had just the friend to help him. Now he just needed to write a letter to send.
⚜︎ ⧗🜲⧗⚜︎
Xiaoshi paced around the water fountain eyebrows furrowed. It had been a month, a month without Lu Guang. The enigma had tried to invite him over after two weeks to no avail. The white haired man seemed busy these days, to the point Xiaoshi thought the worst.
Maybe just for luck he should send one more letter this time with most urgency. Times like this he wished his sister was around, though he knew she wouldn't be back for a couple more weeks from her princess duties.
He dragged himself to his desk sitting down as he dipped his quill into the black ink. The sheet of paper in front of him blankly staring as he commenced his work.
The letter flowed through the paper slanted along with crossed out bits. It was messy, which didn't matter it urgently displayed his desire. Now then, Lu Guang would surely appear later today at the time his guest would arrive.
Now all he needed to do was wait....
..................
............
.........
Loud footsteps flew up the stairs, Lu Guang stood up from his desk sensing urgency.
"Wizard Lu Guang, an urgent letter from Prince Cheng Xiaoshi has arrived!" The servant breathed out sweat dripping down their body as they shakily handed it over.
The alpha wasted no time tearing it open. Once the letter was in his grasps he began reading.
His eyes widened tears threatening to rain down upon him. Those gray eyes locked onto the exhaused servant.
"Prepare a carriage for me immediately!" At the tone the servant bowed then ran out of the room yelling out commands to the other servants.
Lu Guang dressed himself hurriedly his heart racing a few tears streaming down his face.
"Xiaoshi please." He pleaded to himself clutching his heart before too racing down the long stairs.
The servants stared in worry, the wizards hair was disheveled, urgency written all over his face. They hoped that the matter would be resolved and that no one had been injured.
There eyes watched the carriage take off at incredibly speed, times like this it was excellent Prince Cheng's kingdom resided nearby.
Lu Guang was anxious the whole ride, his breath hitched while he wipped away his tears. Honestly how did this manage to happen? Was this a consequences of his ache for the marriage?
What type of person was he? Lu Guang felt like a stick of mud for having neglected the enigma to this point.
As an alpha Lu Guang should have concealed his emotions yet he couldn’t not when it came to the one his heart desired.
The moment Lu Guang watched the large gates open he jumped out of the carriage ignoring the servants concerns. Heart racing he swiftly avoided everyone, rushing inside the castle. Had he been lucid he would have noticed the other carriage outside.
"CHENG XIAOSHI!!" He yelled out looking everywhere for the man. That's when he heard it laughing, Lu Guang took a deep breath following the sound until he reached the dining area.
There he saw it. Xiaoshi alive, unharmed and having fun talking with an unknown alpha. Lu Guang uncaring barged right in, face filled with anger charging towards Xiaoshi.
Xiaoshi sat up the moment he saw him. "Lu Guang! You made it." His smile immediately faced once he took in his friend's appearance.
"You IDIOT!!" Lu Guang shrieked pointing accusingly at Xiaoshi. "Huh? What are you talking about?" The confusion on the enigma's face only made Lu Guang boil.
Lu Guang stuck a hand in his pockets to pull out the tear covered letter. Xiaoshi eyes widened raising a hand to awkwardly rub his shoulder.
"Oh. I did write it urgently. Did I perhaps write it too urgently." Regret took over, Xiaoshi approaching to take hold of his friend. Lu Guang dodged the touch backing away from Xiaoshi.
"Im sorry Lu Guang." Apologized Xiaoshi bringing a hand to wipe the dried tears away. "I'll never do a stupid thing like this again. You had me worried, it's been a whole month since I've last seen you." Shame crept up the white haired alphas face.
"I promise you, I won't pull this stunt again." Xiaoshi kissed the palm of his hand giving it a small squeeze. Lu Guang went rigid face flushed avoiding eye contact. Sadly those eyes landed upon the guest who was staring deep into his soul with a wide smirk.
"So this is Lu Guang I presume." Interrupted the man with an akward wave. Xiaoshi pulled away from Lu Guang to turn to the guest.
"Yup! My best buddy Lu Guang." Smiled Xiaoshi releasing Lu Guang to pat the alpha on the back.
The redhead stood up walked over till he was towering over Lu Guang. "Is he going to be engaged?" The question made Lu Guang nauseas.
"No. He's going to be my best man." The man hummed sizing up Lu Guang as if trying to unravel candy. Lu Guang instinctively stepped back heart racing while he glared.
"You must be so proud to know your friends getting married." He knew. Knew by just watching what emotions Lu Guang held.
The redhead circled Lu Guang briefly then out of nowhere grabbed him tightly along the waist to whisper.
"Those sentiments you hold will you act on them? Or will you let his fate be sealed with another?" His head was spinning, Lu Guang dropped down to his knees held bowed down.
"Vein! What on earth did you say to him?" Vein shrugged his shoulders "Nothing improper it seems your friend is unwell." Xiaoshi wasn't convinced kneeling down to lift up Lu Guang.
The white haired alpha felt his thoughts drift this Vein had a point was he really going to give up Xiaoshi? No he wasn't if Lu Guang wanted this relationship to flourishes he would have to take matters into his own hands.
"Xiaoshi, I need a moment to breath. I'll take myself to the garden." Xiaoshi looked worried while he set Lu Guang down he knew something was bothering his friend but what?
"Take your time." Lu Guang nodded taking his leave to the garden.
"If you find someone out there tell them to come inside." Vein called out before turning to see a down Xiaoshi.
"Whats wrong with you?"
No response. He smirked well then it seems this wedding may turn out to be intriguing.
"Lu Guang, he's hiding something isn't he?" So he had noticed Vein simply nodded along.
"Don't dwell about it, now let's talk about this wedding we have to plan."
"Okay..." Sighed Xiaoshi staring at his fellow enigma hoping Lu Guang would be better.
⚜︎ ⧗🜲⧗⚜︎
Lu Guang’s reflection stared back at him with grief, grief that wasn't needed for his love that wasn't dead. He lowered his hand to brush it against the river, no changes happened to that judgmental expression.
What was he to do? He saw how enthusiastic Xiaoshi had been. Recalling his earlier thought the alpha wondered how he could figure out if the enigma harbored love towards him.
He glanced around the garden reminiscing their younger days how they would hold hands and run wild. He chuckled recalling how Qiao Ling would always scold Xiaoshi for his childish behavior.
Taking a stand Lu Guang walked down the patio right towards the beautifully forget me not flowers laid.
Lowering a hand he brushed the petals, remembering how Xiaoshi had planted them for him.
"Lu Guang! I planted your favorite flowers!" Smiled a young Xiaoshi "So I will never forget you when you head home."
A smile so bright it made the sun looked dull, his heart skipped a beat. Xiaoshi was someone Lu Guang wanted to be around every lasting breath.
"Excuse me." A hand rested on his shoulder, Lu Guang jolted turning around to view this threat. An akward smile with a handsome blonde stood in front of him.
They stared at one another in silence, eyes occasionally blinking. The blond broke the silence first.
"Hello! Im Xia Fei." A hand was extended towards him, "Im Lu Guang", they shook hands akwardly.
Lu Guang guessed the alpha in front of him was lost based on his gaze.
"Are you lost?" At the question the blonde nodded that was when Lu Guang's nose twitched, the scent of a fragrant flower.
"Are you an omega?" He shamefully blurted out.
The blonde omega made a thumbs up. "Wow, you have a keen sense of smell. Not everyone guesses it right first try." Astonishment filled the blonde eyes.
"Im guessing your an alpha?" Lu Guang nodded feeling himself lower his guard around this stranger.
"What bring you to Xiaoshi?" The question slipped. Xia Fei sighed eyes quickly lowering, smile turning into a frown.
"Its rather stupid." Lu Guang could tell it wasn't, based on the body language and frown Xia Fei was experiencing emotions Lu Guang also held.
"I doubt it, here sit." Patting a spot next to him the blonde wasted no time lowering himself. The alpha felt their shoulders brush, while the taller omega looked down at him.
"Well, how do I put this." He mumbled for a few seconds. "Im in love, yet that person is getting engaged to someone else." Lu Guang's eyes went wide, this couldn't possibly be a coincidence right?
"Me too." He blurted out, orange eyes immediately turning to him with shock.
Fingers raised to point at one another. Lu Guang's mask cracked, he smiled at the blonde warmly.
Laughter erupted out of the garden, the two new friends wiping away tears.
"We should have tea together." Xia Fei suggested.
"Yes, of course." They both laughed falling backwards into the grass at the quick response.
"Thank you, for letting me invade your space." Awkwardly laughed Xia Fei.
"I should be thanking you." Lu Guang replied, if it wasn't for the blonde he was sure he would have broken down like a dam.
Lu Guang chuckled, eyes glimmering with fondness.
They laid there quietly enjoying the scenery.
Xia Fei shut his eyes. His brain sparkling at a sudden thought. He jolted up then set his eyes back down on Lu Guang.
"I just had the most wonderful idea ever!"
Lu Guang tilted his head. An idea? Based on that huge grin it was mischievous. He'd seen Xiaoshi make the same expression countless times.
"We should.....******" Lu Guang's felt his brain stutter to keep up. This idea could definitely work for them both.
Looks like their little plan was only just commencing.