Author's Note: Welcome back y'all! Now I am starting to lose motivation and I don't want to burn myself out because I do have assignments piling up. I've been struggling to actually write out my ideas because it actually requires effort. Anyways, I've been reading the fanfic on this show on AO3 and I'm wondering if I should cross post there. That's a decision for later; For today, I will write a Lu Si Cheng jealousy scene (attempt to at least). Enjoy!
This'll be set say after my "Brother Hierophant" chapter. Pretend that all the OPL teams have been invited to like a grand arcade opening for promotion purposes. Like who better to invite than a bunch of gamers you know? Oh and Lu Si Cheng hasn't confessed yet, but it's super obvious.
Tong Yao POV:
"Jin Yang you can't turn a witch into a princess!" I stared at myself in the mirror.
Jin Yang had just pattered my face with makeup and played dress-up with me like I was a Barbie doll. I had to admit she did have magic in her hands as I looked better than usual.
"Oh stop it! You have to look good at this event. How else will people come to the arcade? You'll be like the only girl there do you have to look the part. Most people's eyes will be on you," she said finishing up my blush.
"Okay fine! Can we go now?" I stood up from the chair at my vanity.
My room had been scattered with clothes and covered with suitcases by the one and only Jin Yang. She had spent hours trying to make me look my best and to be honest, I was grateful for her. She had dressed me in a cherry red, satin thigh-length dress. It had spaghetti straps and a sweetheart neckline which wasn't my usual style, but I couldn't say no to Jin Yang. Besides, she had really good taste as I have to admit I looked amazing. I paired the dress with black net stockings and flat lace-up ankle boots made of black leather. To top it all off, I was wearing a silver smiley necklace and matching silver hoops.
"Are you sure this isn't too much?" I looked back into the mirror twirling around.
"Of course not!" Jin Yang flattened down my honey-colored hair and used a pointy comb to set my bangs.
"There! Now you can dominate the world."
"All I want to dominate is the matches," I muttered.
She led me down the stairs, arm linked in mine. I was starting to feel like an absolute clown; no one would be dressed like this. The invitation did say formal clothing because after the arcade events we'd have professional photos and dinner; However, I would've been fine in my normal skirt and oversized hoodie, but Jin Yang insisted to let her dress me. I kept my eyes glued to the stairs as we climbed down.
"Woah Xiao jiejie," Fatty said.
"It's bad isn't it?" Jin Yang glared at me. If it weren't for her literally just setting my hair, she would've smacked me.
"No! You look good." Fatty stared in awe.
"Really good." Lao Mao added.
I looked up to see the team wearing matching black suits and red ties. I looked at Jin Yang.
"I told them to wear red ties. Your colors are black and red so you should represent them."
"Oh."
I looked back at the team. They were all complimenting me and praising Jin Yang's hard work; Except for Lu Si Cheng who was still staring at me, mouth slightly ajar.
"Looks like we have to act as security guards the rest of the night." Everyone chuckled at Lu Yue's comment while Lu Si Cheng sighed, finally looking away.
"Hopefully we don't have to stop a murder," Fatty added on slyly.
"Let's go." Lu Si Cheng was already out the door.
Outside, both the ZGDX and YQCB bus was waiting. The other team was heading down from their base in suits with rosy pink ties.
"Told you to get a guard dog," Hierophant muttered to God Ming as he greeted him.
He looked at me and gave me a thumbs up.
"Looking good Smiling."
"Thanks," I replied shyly.
"My wifey is so beautiful," Ai Jia announced loudly, scooping up Jin Yang in his arms and twirling her around.
"Ai Jia put me down!" She squealed.
Jin Yang had dressed herself with the YQCB colors. She had on a nice carnation pink dress that hugged her figure. It stopped right above her knees where silver tassels lined the edge of the dress. She had on matching silver jewelry like me and had paired sparkling diamond heels with her outfit. She was also invited to the arcade event as she had hosted some of the OPL matches.
"We'll have to keep a good eye on our ladies," Liang Sheng spoke up, earning nods of agreement from everyone.
"Okay onto the bus! We'll see each other there," Xiao Rui said ushering us onto the bus as we waved goodbye to the other team. Jin Yang was going to travel with YQCB so we'd see each other again at the event.
"I have it give it to you, Tong Yao you actually look really nice," Lu Yue told me once we're all seated.
"Jin Yang overdid it I'm going to stand out," I sullenly replied.
"Nonsense. As the lucky charm of our team you deserve to have all the attention on you."
"Remember the buddy system guys," God Ming said loudly for the whole team to hear.
"We'll just have Lu Si Cheng guard Tong Yao all night. I'm sure he won't mind." Lu Yue snickered.
"Or I could turn you into a guard dog for the team," Lu Si Cheng replied back.
The team shook their heads at the bickering brothers. I relaxed back into my seat, scrolling my phone.
Finally, we reached the arcade and boarded off the bus. For today, it had been restricted to just the OPL teams as there wasn't nearly enough room to fit the variety of fans like the arena could. The YQCB bus had reached right before us and the team waited till we got there.
"Remember everyone, the ladies should always be accompanied," Hierophant reminded us all once again.
Jin Yang and I walked side by side as we entered with the YQCB team in front and ZGDX behind us. Immediately many of the other teams walked over to greet us, taking not so sneaky glances at me and Jin Yang. Ai Jia and Fatty accompanied us first as Hierophant and Lu Si Cheng went to check out the claw machines. The poor owners are going to have to stock up on more toys after this. We scanned the area for all the different games. There were teams at the pool tables already and I recognized Ah Guang, King team's jungler, at one of them. I gave him a wave and smile.
Jin Yang POV:
Tong Yao had no clue how stunning she looked. I've noticed the way Lu Si Cheng has been eyeing her and my instincts are never wrong. He was definitely in love and just refused to admit it. My job though, was to get him to confess. When she waved at Ah Guang with her beautiful smile, she immediately attracted the attention of all the nearby gamers. Her pearly white smile was hypnotizing and her siren voice lured in the focus of anyone nearby. After her last breakup, Tong Yao had lost a lot of confidence that I was putting forth full efforts to build it back up. I even joined hands with Lao K to make sure she stayed on top of her selfcare.
"She doesn't even know the effect she has," Ai Jia whispered glancing at all the eyes sneaking looks at our best friend.
"Missy, why don't we go play that," Fatty said pointing to a machine at the other end of the arcade.
The four of us walked over and saw that this machine was for the very game they were all competing for. Tong Yao immediately sat down and started matching in Onmyoji arena. Fatty and Ai Jia stood to her sides as I leaned over the back of the chair. God Ming walked by, smiling at the group.
"Tong Yao."
"Hm?"
"Here." he handed her a cherry lollipop. "Lu Si Cheng figured some candy would calm you down. He asked me to hand it to you."
"Thanks!" She immediately pulled the wrapper off and stuffed it in her mouth.
I glanced back to see Lu Si Cheng looking at us. I caught his gaze and he rubbed his neck as he quickly averted his own. I knew it! He likes her.
"Oh the other team has no idea what they are in for," Ai Jia said pointing at the screen.
I looked to find the very familiar Shikigami, Tamamo-no-mae. I didn't know much about the game, but I was able to recognize this character as Tong Yao had played with it about a million times. She started playing, occasionally cracking down on the lollipop in her mouth. I noticed others had started gathering around us. The spherical mirrors above the machine reflected practically the whole place, along with Tong Yao's concentrated face. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw many shifting eyes from the big screen above us displaying the incredible gameplay of Tong Yao to the mirror above where her doe eyes and cupid lips seemed to be the center of attention. It was hard to choose what to focus on: the game or the gorgeous girl playing the game.
"Wow Missy that was amazing!" Fatty high-fived her.
Behind us, cheers and claps rose from the gathered audience that Tong Yao was noticing for the first time.
"Oh." Tong Yao stood staring shyly at the gamers.
Hierophant and Lu Si Cheng stepped forward blocking Tong Yao from view. The audience quietly dispersed, returning back to their original games.
"You just have to show-off everywhere don't you." Lu Si Cheng ruffled her hair.
"Hey! I spent a long time setting that." I swatted his hand away quickly turning back to set Tong Yao's hair flat again.
Ai Jia and Hierophant chuckled as Lu Si Cheng glared at me. He may be her lover, but I was here first.
"It's been a while. I think we should starting heading over to start the photography session," Hierophant said.
We looked over and saw a team of photographers at the other end ushering in teams. The large group of gamers were lead by their respective team leaders down a hallway into a large room filled with camera equipment.
"To make this faster, we're going to do two teams at a time. First, team CK and King step forward." The director guided the teams to opposite sides of the room, positioning them for group photos. The rest of the teams took seats at the few tables there were or grouped themselves on the floor. YQCB and ZGDX were the last two groups to go up. The rest of the gamers had seated themselves, some standing against the walls. After the group photos, individual photos were taken.
"Let's have the young lady and..." The photographer scanned the ZGDX team.
I scurried over and stood behind them, carefully pointing at Lu Si Cheng. The photographer smiled.
"You," He said pointing at the leader.
"Me?"
"Go up there before someone else steps up. Anyone would be glad to hop in," I whispered shoving him forward a little.
YQCB had finished up and came over to join the team. Everyone was staring at the ADC God and Mulan of esports who were awkwardly staring at each other.
"Mister how about you stand right there." The photographer stepped forward to guide them into a pose.
Lu Si Cheng stood with his hands in his pockets and Tong Yao was leaning against him facing the side wall.
"Ah perfect! Look here." The flashes brightened the room.
"This looks like they're getting married," Lu Yue laughed as everyone quickly shushed him.
He was right, but the lovebirds weren't ready to hear that.
With the final clicks and increasingly obvious stares at Tong Yao, we headed to dinner. I could see Lu Si Cheng clenching his jaw and refraining from permanently shutting the eyes of those looking at the love of his life.
"Lu Si Cheng you're not supposed to eat those!" Tong Yao scolded him as he popped an orange candy in his mouth.
"I'll eat what I want," He muttered. Although, he threw the candy out at the next trash can.
The nearby members sent knowing glances to each other. I couldn't tell if I wanted to smack Lu Si Cheng for being so obvious or Tong Yao for being so oblivious. In the dining hall, each table had nameplates for each team though we were allowed to switch our seats around. Dinner had been served and so far everything was peaceful. I joined the ZGDX table with Ai Jia. At this point, Tong Yao had probably stuffed herself even more than Fatty.
"Where are you even fitting all that?" Lao Mao asked.
"In here." Tong Yao pointed at her stomach as she shoveled in another spoonful of rice.
"You've put Fatty to shame Shorty." Lu Si Cheng's comment caused the table to snicker.
"She's a growing child cut her some slack," Ai Jia added earning a poke in his side from me.
"Knock it off you two. You're just jealous you can't eat all this and still look good."
"Cheng-ge would rather look like a demon than cough in public. Remember the day we decided teams for OPL?" Lao K said.
"Alright enough." Lu Si Cheng immediately shut down the conversation that had started to target him.
After eating, the bar had opened up and many people started drinking. The bartenders were careful to allow minimal drinks to each person and were marking hands with sharpies to keep track of how many drinks someone had. The team managers had strictly warned their members not to get drunk as everyone had some sort of training the next day. Tong Yao and I separated from the group and got ourselves each a glass of wine. We stood by a random table, slightly away from most people. Unfortunately, this also made us very easy to spot.
"Yao-Yao." CK's one and only jungler had approached us.
"Tong Yao. My name is Tong Yao," she stated firmly.
"Tong Yao."
"If you're here to give excuses you can leave. The door's that way." I pointed to the exit.
"Tong Yao I'm sorry! I really didn't mean to hurt you; I swear I did nothing that night." Jian Yang had stepped in closer to her.
I pulled Tong Yao a little back, making sure the two were at least arms length away.
"Jian Yang you're mistaken. That wasn't the only reason we broke up." Tong Yao took a deep sigh. "There's no point in having this discussion. It can't fix what has happened. Jin Yang let's go." Tong Yao turned to walk away, but Jian Yang grabbed her wrist stopping her.
"What are you doing?"
"Can you at least listen to me?"
"She doesn't want to. Let go." I went to pull his wrist away, but stopped when another hand pulled apart Jian Yang's grasp on Tong Yao's wrist.
"Do you know what no means?" Lu Si Cheng was glaring darkly at Jian Yang.
"I just wanted to talk," Jian yang replied hesitantly.
Lu Si Cheng threw his arm down and shifted Tong Yao behind him.
Lu Si Cheng POV:
The audacity of this man to touch my girl. If I weren't a public figure I'd break his wrist. Hierophant, noticing the commotion came over to join us.
"Don't escalate it. Just walk away," he whispered to me.
I knew he was right, so I gently grabbed Tong Yao's hand and led her away. I saw the others in the hall staring, specifically at our hands held together.
"Thanks," Tong Yao told me as we reached the table where our team was gathered with YQCB.
"Tong Yao are you okay?" Fatty questioned.
"Yes, it's not a big deal. I just ran into my ex," she grimaced.
She hadn't let go of my hand yet and I wasn't going to either. I saw the members glancing down and glared back, hoping they'd hold off on the teasing. She would immediately let go when she realized and I wasn't ready to.
"Quite a bold way to stake your claim," Hierophant told me in Korean.
He and Jin Yang had left the CK jungler on the other side of the room. I glanced back to see him sulking as his members tried to cheer him up. As I turned back, Jin Yang caught my gaze. She glanced at my hand holding her best friend and then back at me. I just shrugged.
"Cheng-ge," Tong Yao tugged at my shirt.
"Hm."
"I want to go outside. I need some fresh air." She looked up at me with her deer-like eyes. They sparkled like the stars of a night sky so bright that I couldn't possibly say no to anything she said.
"Let's go."
"Remember to come back inside," Hierophant called back.
We walked outside, still holding hands.
"Shorty."
"Hm?"
"Don't you think you're taking advantage of my kindness?"
"What?"
I looked down at our hands, still interlocked.
"Oh." She hurriedly released hers.
My hand suddenly felt colder, yearning for the warmth of her soft hands.
We stood outside in silence. She looked up at the night sky, shining with a full moon. Her skin was glowing under the moonlight and she looked absolutely radiant. I could stare at her forever.
"Cheng-ge."
"Yea?"
"Do you believe in wishing on shooting stars?" She glanced at me.
"I've never done it before." I stared at her quizzically.
"My mom said wishing on one brings good luck. Look there's one!" She pointed at a silver speck gliding across the contrasting dark sky.
Her hands clasped together in front of her and her eyes shut close, she stood in still. I studied her, admiring the seemingly glowing outline of the body and more importantly, her face that beamed brighter than any shooting star ever could. I was lost in her beauty and was struggling to not kiss her right then and there. It would put off all the others trying to hit on her and I'd be blessed with the dream girl of every man in the world; However, I had to make sure that my feelings weren't one-sided.
"Cheng-ge." She was staring at me with those eyes again.
"Tong Yao." I stood straighter.
We stared at each other for what seemed like forever, but still would've never been enough for me.
"We should go back inside." She was the first to look away.
"Tong Yao wait." I grabbed her wrist as she was about to look away.
"I can't just sit by and watch anymore. I have to tell you, it's now or never."
"Tell me what?" She was facing me once again.
"Tong Yao. I can be the best man for you. I'd never cheat and I'd always prioritize you. You'd never have to worry about anything I'd spoil you like the princess you are. What I'm trying to ask is will you give me a chance? Give us a chance to bring a fairytale to life?"
She stared at me with widened eyes. Many emotions swirled in them so woven together like a spider's silk that I couldn't tell what she was actually thinking for the first time. She remained silent and I was starting to think I made a mistake.
"Was I wrong?" She continued to stare.
"Tong Yao do you actually not like me? Have I misread the situation? Will I be rejected?" I let go of her wrist.
She tilted her head a little before stepping forward. She stood on her tippy toes and gave me a soft kiss on my lips.
"Does that answer your questions?" She replied quietly.
Her cherry lips had sent my brain into overdrive. I didn't knowing giving her that lollipop earlier would return such a great reward. I pulled her in by the waist kissing her. She froze a little before I felt her melting in my arms. Her small hands ran through my hair as she bit my lower lip. I savored the flavor of her lips. The cherry taste and strawberry scent coming from her would've had me locked in this position timelessly if it weren't for the fact that humans have to breathe. Pulling away breathlessly, we smiled at each other.
"I don't think we need to employ Lu Yue as a guard dog anymore," I said.
Her laughter felt like a soulful melody that I wanted to hear over and over again. The beautiful siren of the esports scene was now all mine.
"Let's actually go inside now." She tugged my arm.
"Wait." I stopped her.
I used my finger to wipe her smudged lipstick.
"Oh." She reached up to flatten my hair and I closed my eyes, treasuring her pillow-like touch.
I opened my eyes and saw she was slightly shivering. Removing the coat of my suit, I draped it around her shoulders.
"Isn't this too obvious?" She asked, although she was grinning.
"I like to make bold moves." I grabbed her hand and we walked back to the dining hall.
Coming in from the side entrance, we walked back to our team who were staring at us with widened eyes. I felt like I was surrounded by a group of pigeons.
"Omg!" Jin Yang was the first to speak.
Her yell caused many others to glance our way. I heard a few gasps and grinned knowing I was the reason behind it. Tong Yao shifted closer to me, not liking the attention and choosing to be hidden. I put an arm around her shoulders, practically hugging her now.
"Took you long enough. I thought I was going to have to orchestrate a k-drama scene to get you to confess," Jin Yang said.
"What do you mean?" Tong Yao asked.
"It was obvious he liked you. I don't know how you didn't pick up on it." Tong Yao glanced at me.
I shrugged.
"I figured he'd make his claim tonight. It would've been hard for him to hold back seeing Smiling in that dress."
Hierophant's statement had us both blushing. The teams laughed at us, easing up the awkwardness.
"You better keep you girl in sight at all times Cheng-ge," Ai Jia said.
We all glanced around to see several people glaring, others with their jaws still open, and some smiling.
"My brother is a silent person, but when he makes a move it's big." I glared at Lu Yue.
"And I think it's time to go home now," Xiao Rui announced.
It was nearly midnight and to say we were exhausted was an understatement.
The End.
Finally wrote on a different scene and it's almost 1 AM. I have a terrible night writing habit and I need to wake up at probably 8 oh my. It's fine though anything for my lovely readers❤️I'm thinking for the next one maybe I can do a continuation of this and Tong Yao gets a cold or something so we see a soft overprotective Lu Si Cheng. If y'all got any other idea let me know I'm willing to try. Thanks for the support and stay tuned to more chapters (hopefully).