The night the college entrance exams ended, Xu Yi sent Bo Xinghang his location through a series of three voice messages, all urging him to “Come quickly!”
Come quickly. Come quickly.
The first message was from Xu Yi, but the other two were from different people, both male and female. In the last few seconds, it seemed like someone was saying something, but even with the volume turned up to the max, Bo Xinghang couldn’t make out the words. The background noise was chaotic.
Looking at the location on his phone, he saw the name—Savage BBQ.
Bo Xinghang stared at it for a moment and remarked dryly, “It does sound pretty savage.”
Most people would choose to rest on the day the exams ended; even if they planned a gathering, they would wait for a less crowded time. But his class was different. Someone with an eccentric mindset had started planning where to eat and hang out the moment the exams concluded.
Bo Xinghang had thought not many people would show up at such an awkward hour, but as soon as he stepped through the door, he understood why Xu Yi had sent those frantic messages.
Right. Everyone was there except him. The place was packed.
“Savage BBQ” wasn’t large. It was a small joint run by an old man from the northeast. It took only three or four seconds to walk from the entrance to the counter, with just six or seven tables in total.
Bo Xinghang had heard of the place before. Apart from its size, it had no major drawbacks. The portions were generous, and the prices were low. The owner was especially kind, always throwing in a few extra dishes.
Bo Xinghang sat down next to Xu Yi and asked, “Why here?”
Xu Yi slapped the table. “It’s cheap!”
Bo Xinghang smiled at him without saying anything.
Feeling unsettled under Bo Xinghang’s gaze, Xu Yi sighed and leaned in to explain, “It’s close to the school. We all plan to go back and take a look after dinner.”
Bo Xinghang poured himself some water and took a sip. “You all?”
“No one really discussed it, but everyone seems to have the same idea.” Xu Yi grabbed another cup and filled it with alcohol before pushing it toward him. “Hang-ge, it’s a special day. Have a drink… Maybe you didn’t check your phone, but two days before the exams, I set up a vote. One option was a popular influencer’s restaurant, and the other was this place.”
Before Xu Yi could finish, Bo Xinghang raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Savage BBQ won by a landslide?”
“Not exactly.” Xu Yi chuckled, took a big gulp from the drink, and with a “thud,” set it down. “Except for those who didn’t vote, it was unanimous.”
This time, Bo Xinghang was genuinely surprised. He knew many in the class were reluctant to part ways, but he hadn’t expected it to be like this.
It felt strange.
He had never felt a strong connection to the class. At first, he had been surrounded by an air of hostility that kept others at a distance. Over time, he had become even less involved in class matters.
But now, suddenly, he realized that his class was more united than he had imagined.
He remembered how their homeroom teacher used to endlessly preach about class unity. Back then, he had found it annoying and rebellious, thinking, “Who needs unity? I’m just fine on my own.”
But hearing Xu Yi’s words now, Bo Xinghang felt an unexpected sense of pride—pride in being part of such a class and pride in the beautiful memories they had created together.
Graduation season had a way of stirring emotions. They ate from six until nine, and when they finally left, Xu Yi was silent the whole way. As they reached the school gate, he suddenly stopped and hugged Bo Xinghang.
He had a surprising amount of strength, as if he were holding something back, trying to express something through the hug.
After hesitating for a moment, Xu Yi, with a trembling voice, said, “Hang-ge, don’t forget me.”
Both of them had drunk a bit, but they could still walk steadily without needing support, their minds clinging to a shred of clarity.
Yet, they were undeniably drunk. Under the moonlight and streetlights, the two young men hugged amidst the crowd, their slurred words carrying the purest friendship and conveying the most sincere feelings.
Bo Xinghang patted his head. “Xu-ge, I won’t forget.”
Xu Yi sniffled. “Your grades are definitely good enough to get into a top school. My last-minute cramming helped, but I definitely won’t be able to go to the same school as you. You’ll probably go to Beicheng… I’m planning to stay local.”
Bo Xinghang wanted to comfort him, but halfway through listening, his brow furrowed. He pushed Xu Yi away. “Who told you I’m going to Beicheng?”
“Your grades are good enough for a top school in Beicheng.” Xu Yi, not upset about being pushed away, spoke with a slight drunkenness, not fully aware of what he was saying. “Are you staying here for me? I know I’m your best friend, but you don’t have to—”
“You’re overthinking it.”
Xu Yi’s train of thought was interrupted, leaving him at a loss for words. He looked up and froze at the sight in front of him.
He sobered up almost instantly, staring at the person in front of him, bewildered. “Doctor Ji? W-what are you doing here?”
He could understand if they were meeting casually, but this time, specifically coming to pick him up gave Xu Yi an ominous feeling. He couldn’t shake the sense that as soon as Doctor Ji said something, it would be something he couldn’t handle.
And he was right. The next moment, Bo Xinghang took Doctor Ji’s hand and waved it in front of Xu Yi.
“We’re together.”
Boom—a huge shock hit Xu Yi, sobering him up completely.
Or maybe not, because now his head hurt even more, and his mind was a blur, unable to distinguish between dream and reality.
But then Doctor Ji nodded and revisited the earlier topic. “Xiao Xing isn’t staying here because of you.”
Xu Yi stood there, dumbfounded for several seconds, his thoughts lagging behind. He nodded stiffly.
He thought tonight was just fucking unreal.
Finally, Xu Yi watched the two of them walk hand in hand onto the campus while he stood there for several more minutes.
It wasn’t until classmates started passing by him as they left school that he snapped back to reality and headed upstairs.
After the college entrance exams, teachers usually allowed students to return for a few days to have a heart-to-heart talk and say a proper goodbye to the school. As long as they showed their student ID to the security guard, they were typically let in.
The classroom was empty, with all personal belongings packed up, leaving only desks and chairs. Only the scribbles on the walls hinted at their past presence, but even that would be covered up in the new school year, making way for a new batch of students.
Some students had gone home at their parents’ urging, while the rest sat in their old seats, chatting with those nearby.
Others were taking photos to capture memories, squeezing into the frame with three or four classmates to preserve these unique moments.
Although their past might eventually fade away with time, as long as they stood together, those memories would always be special.
Xu Yi climbed halfway up the stairs but then turned back. He stopped by a secluded spot near a grove of trees and called Bo Xinghang.
“Hang-ge.” Xu Yi’s expression was obscured in the shadows, making it hard to see him clearly. “Can you come to the grove? I want to talk to you.”
When Bo Xinghang arrived, Xu Yi was smoking. He rarely had moments of silence like this, but today he had been quieter than usual.
Hearing the approaching footsteps, Xu Yi looked up. “You’re here.”
“Yeah.” Bo Xinghang sat down beside him, casually finding a spot on the ground, and reached out for a cigarette. “Give me one.”
Xu Yi sat down next to him and handed him a cigarette.
Bo Xinghang raised his chin. “Lend me a light.”
Xu Yi tossed him the lighter.
Bo Xinghang lit the cigarette and took a deep drag.
The two of them sat side by side, each holding a cigarette, not saying a word. After a long while, Bo Xinghang flicked the ash and asked, “Can’t handle it?”
“…” Xu Yi shook his head, watching Bo Xinghang’s actions. “No, I’m not that old-fashioned.”
Bo Xinghang tilted his head. “So, why did you call me to the grove? Trying to make Doctor Ji jealous?”
“Damn.” Xu Yi was stunned by the remark, staring at him in shock. “Hang-ge! How can you be so shameless?!”
“Just telling the truth.” Bo Xinghang pointed at him. “I’m warning you, don’t suddenly hug me again. Doctor Ji already saw you hugging me earlier. Keep your distance.”
Xu Yi’s eyes widened. “Hang-ge! Am I not your most beloved anymore?!”
“You never were.”
Without waiting for a reply, Bo Xinghang kicked him with his foot. “If you’ve got something to say, spit it out. It’s almost ten.”
“When did you start caring about a healthy routine…” Xu Yi mumbled, but one look from Bo Xinghang made him stop and speak up honestly. “Are you and him… serious?”
Bo Xinghang took another drag. “Would I joke about something like this?”
Xu Yi hesitated for a moment, then gave a small nod and quietly said, “Then I wish you the best.”
Finishing his cigarette, Bo Xinghang stubbed it out and tossed it into a nearby trash can.
The grove was secluded, far from the school building and without any cameras, making it a favorite spot for couples or those looking to settle disputes.
Originally, there hadn’t been a trash can, and the area was littered with cigarette butts left by students. Later, while they didn’t install cameras, they did place a trash can there. The school always seemed to improve these overlooked areas.
Bo Xinghang glanced at the trash can not far away and smiled. “Thanks.”
“No problem. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy too.”
Though sincere, there was something oddly awkward about how it sounded. Bo Xinghang slapped Xu Yi on the back, signaling him to leave. “Alright, time to go.”
“Why?!” Xu Yi looked at him, feeling wronged, and then followed Bo Xinghang’s gesture towards the distance. The sight left him speechless.
“Hang-ge, could you two not flaunt your love right in front of me?! You’ve only been here a few minutes, and he came all the way just to pick you up?!”
Bo Xinghang stood up and ran over to Doctor Ji, shaking his head with a smile. “I’ve held back this long; can’t I show off a little?”
The logic was sound, and Xu Yi, unable to argue, clutched his chest. “Hang-ge, I hate you!!”
Bo Xinghang raised an eyebrow. “Bye, I won’t see you off.”
Once Xu Yi had disappeared from sight, Bo Xinghang turned to Doctor Ji.
“What brings you here?”
“Did you smoke?”
They both spoke at the same time, and Bo Xinghang hesitated, feeling a bit guilty.
He had planned to wait until the smell of smoke dissipated before heading back, but Doctor Ji had shown up and caught him red-handed.
Bo Xinghang rubbed his hands together, his expression pitiful. “Doctor Ji, I was wrong~~”
“You were wrong.” Ji Wenzhen cupped his chin, pulling him closer. “If you smoke again, I’ll kiss you.”
“…”
Bo Xinghang froze, his hand raised but not saying a word for a moment.
“Speechless?”
“…No.”
Bo Xinghang wrapped his arms around Ji Wenzhen’s neck, leaning in close until there was only a centimeter between them, close enough to feel each other’s breath.
“What?” Ji Wenzhen held his waist.
Bo Xinghang sighed and gave him a quick kiss. “Doctor Ji, you’re tempting me to smoke.”
“What…” Ji Wenzhen was stunned, then broke into laughter. “I might have phrased that poorly.”
“But I won’t smoke anymore, ever again.”
Bo Xinghang stared at Doctor Ji, his tone serious.
Ji Wenzhen could guess why he had smoked this time, knowing part of it had to do with him, but smoking was never a healthy habit.
He hoped that whenever Bo Xinghang felt sad or upset, he would be there for him so that the young man could pout and whine with a red nose, leaving his smoking habit behind forever.
Whether that hope would come true, he didn’t know, but at least in this moment, the young man’s eyes held a determination he had never seen before, glowing with a brilliant light, like countless stars that would never fade.
He pressed the young man against the tree, leaning in and shrouding them both in darkness.
Even if someone walked by, they wouldn’t be able to see clearly, only catching glimpses of two exposed hands under the faint light, long fingers intertwined tightly.
Bo Xinghang was left breathless by the kiss, his mind hazy when suddenly, Doctor Ji leaned in close to his ear and whispered softly, “Be good.”
