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Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji have known each other since they were kids. They lived next door to each other and went to all the same schools but the households they grew up in were as different as night and day. Wei Wuxian thrived in a loud household with his adoptive parents and two siblings while Lan Wangji grew up used to peace and order with his strict uncle and kind brother.
Despite their differences in life and attitude, the two were drawn to each other from the very start. Wei Wuxian was drawn to the quiet kid in the corner, who looked at the world in a more mature light, while Lan Wangji couldn't help but gravitate closer to this boy who had a sunny disposition.
It took a while for them to get used to their differences but when they did, they became fast friends.
Years passed and their bond grew stronger. Some people drifted apart as they age, finding different hobbies or different friends, but Wei Wuxian stuck to his first best friend, even when his pool of friends kept growing because of how sociable he was.
Wei Wuxian was a social butterfly who was not afraid to take charge. So, to no one’s surprise, he presented as an alpha when reached the age of twelve. Lan Wangji on the other hand, remained as he was. Steadfast and quiet, only letting a few people into his life.
Lan Wangji did not present and eventually, he was labeled as a beta when he turned sixteen.
They were now in high school and, as expected, Wei Wuxian, with his charismatic personality and good looks, was one of the most popular alphas in their school. Every day his locker has at least one letter of confession or someone expressing admiration. He was smart, funny, and mischievous, the bane of a strict teacher’s existence.
Lan Wangji, on the other hand, was strict and quiet, constantly hiding under oversized hoodies and large correctional glasses. He was a stickler to the rules, always arrived early in class, submitted his assignments and projects on time, and tattled on the rulebreakers. During the time of youth, when people wanted to be free and slack off, he was disliked quite a bit by his peers.
“If he was handsome, I probably wouldn’t mind.” A girl huffs in annoyance when Lan Wangji tells them off for talking too loudly in the library.
Lan Wangji sharply closes his book and shoots the girl another warning look. They eventually quiet down but they shoot him venomous looks in response. Satisfied, he goes back to collect his things.
He didn’t care about what others thought of him. He is used to it. Their blatant dislike for him won’t affect his beliefs. He will do what he thinks is right.
Lan Wangji picks up his bag and ignores their glares. He didn’t have the time of day for such self-entitled people.
“Lan Zhan!” An arm around his shoulder jostles him as he walks purposefully towards his third-period classroom. Lan Wangji gives Wei Wuxian an exasperated but fond look the other easily reads. To others, Lan Wangji’s mouth only twitches a bit, but his face remains neutral.
“Wei Ying.”
“Long time no see, Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian nuzzles against his friend happily. Omegas and alphas are touchier than betas. They tend to scent mark everything they deem theirs or important to them. Wei Wuxian was no exception.
Ever since he presented as an alpha, Wei Wuxian would cling to everyone he considered a friend and scent mark them until he was satisfied. He did this most often to his adopted siblings, much to the annoyance of Jiang Cheng.
Lan Wangji, being his best friend since they were toddlers, also got his fair share of scent marking and it never failed to make him blush every time. He knew it didn’t mean anything beyond Wei Wuxian marking his ‘best friend’, but it always made his face hot and his heart beat at an uneven pace.
“Are you heading to third period? I’ll take you there!” Wei Wuxian takes his bag from him.
Lan Wangji’s brows furrow, “Wei Ying, your third period is PE. It’s in the opposite direction.”
“Don’t worry, our teacher will be late anyway. I heard they had some last-minute faculty meeting,” Wei Wuxian shrugs as though walking back then towards the gym, which is in the opposite direction and a different building, is not a big deal.
Sweet, thoughtful gestures like these made Lan Wangji yearn for things he had no right to have. His ears are red, but Lan Wangji maintains a neutral façade as he says, “thank you.”
At the door of Lan Wangji’s classroom, Wei Wuxian hands Lan Wangji his bag and waves goodbye before leaving.
Lan Wangji stands there for a full ten seconds, trying not to hope for something more from Wei Wuxian’s usual gesture of kindness.
“Hey, was that Wei Wuxian? Oh man, he is so hot!”
“Who’s the guy he came with? That hoodie guy by the door?”
“That’s nobody, just his beta best friend. They are such opposites! How did a boring beta like him even get Wei Wuxian’s attention?”
“Maybe he does his homework for him?” Laughter rings out behind him.
Lan Wangji’s mood sours when he hears the talk behind him. He inhales and goes inside to find a seat.
It was so difficult, crushing on your alpha best friend.
Despite Lan Wangji’s best efforts, his mind keeps going back to the conversation he overheard in the classroom. His classmates continued to criticize his strictness and he saw others even mocking the way he answered the teacher’s questions.
Someone bumped him on the way out and asks laughingly, “what does Wei Wuxian even see in you?”
Such behavior leaves a sick, burning feeling in his chest that does not go away for the rest of the day. It does not help that someone spilled juice on his shirt while he was on his way to the bathroom. He had to change to the extra thick hoodie he had in his locker. The day was hot and there is sweat running down his neck.
Thankfully, the fourth period had been canceled because of another emergency faculty meeting. Several parents have been coming in to file a complaint against the school president’s nephew, Jin Zixun.
Taking advantage of the free time, Lan Wangji heads to the library to cool off and get some studying and homework done. His phone pings and he clicks open a message from Wei Wuxian asking where he is.
Just as he sends a reply, he suddenly gets a whiff of smoke. Curious, he pockets his phone and follows the smell to the back of the library building.
He sees Jin Zixun smoking excessively. Su Minshan is with him, throwing cigarette bunts on the ground and smashing them with his foot.
“Smoking is forbidden,” Lan Wangji scolds automatically. He frowns at himself for announcing his presence. He should have gone and gotten a teacher or this could turn ugly.
The two delinquents turn to him in surprise. When they see it’s just him, they relax. Jin Zixun snorts in his direction. “So? What’re you going to do about it?”
“Even if you go run off and get the teacher, by the time you get back we would be long gone,” Su Minshan laughs.
Lan Wangji sighs and takes out his phone to take a picture of them. The two jump at the sound of the camera shutter and the bright flash.
Lan Wangji frowns down at his phone in annoyance. He thought he changed the sound setting and turned off the flash? Wei Wuxian must have been messing with his phone again.
As he is busy adjusting the settings on his camera, he forgets that Jin Zixun and Su Minshan are there and are very angry.
“Come here you-” Lan Wangji dodges a hand coming up to grab him by the front of his shirt. Su Minshan pushes toward him and Lan Wangji huffs as he is pressed up against the wall.
“You think you’re so great aren’t you?” Su Minshan mocks. “Just because you have the best grades and a perfect record! None of that is going to save you from a beating from me.”
Lan Wangji slides down as Su Minshan punches the place where his face used to be. He punches the concrete instead and howls.
Jin Zixun grabs Lan Wangji and pulls him up but Lan Wangji was quicker. He kicks him in the leg and jumps away. He brings his fists up for defense. He is internally thankful to his shufu for teaching him hua quan (flower boxing).
In under two minutes, both offenders are on the ground, panting and unable to move.
Lan Wangji relaxes his stance and cleans his glasses with the bottom of his hoodie. Just as he puts his glasses back on, a cold breeze blows in his direction, bringing with it the scent of cinnamon, pepper, and chai.
“Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian’s surprised tone makes him lookup. His best friend is rushing towards him with wide eyes. He looks at Lan Wangji and then at the two people groaning on the ground. “Lan Zhan, what happened?
Lan Wangji could not take his eyes off of him. He could not in a normal day but somehow, everything feels intensified. The sun is shining too brightly and the sweat he built up during the fight prickles his skin.
“These- Lan Zhan are you hurt? Did these guys pick a fight with you?” Wei Wuxian starts to growl, his eyes flashing.
The word ‘fight’ brings Lan Wangji back to the present. He takes a deep breath through his mouth, careful not to inhale any more of the addicting spicy smell. “Fighting is forbidden,” he grimaces. Then, he admits, “I will get into trouble.”
“Wha- But it’s not your fault! Knowing you, you were probably just defending yourself!” Wei Wuxian turns wide silver eyes at him.
“A rule is a rule,” Lan Wangji says as he frowns down in disgust at the two alphas he had knocked down. It did not help that the person he knocked out was a Jin Zixun, the nephew of the school president.
Because of the numerous complaints the school has had about him, he would probably be punished too but not as severely as other students.
Lan Wangji on the other hand…
Lan Wangji sighs as Wei Wuxian goes to take his arm and lead him away from the scene. Well, in the end, he has no choice but to face the consequences of his action. Even if that meant suspension and a mark on his record.
Lan Wangji was right. He was suspended and the fight would be an ugly stain on his permanent record. Jin Zixun would have gotten away as the victim if Lan Wangji had not presented his photo proof. The parents constantly coming into the office to complain about Jin Zixun also ensured that he wouldn’t be getting scot-free this time around.
Su Minshan, on the other hand, had no backing whatsoever, and his grades were abysmal. He took most of the fall for Jin Zixun’s action and was expelled.
Lan Wangji should probably feel bad that Su Minshan became a scapegoat, but honestly, his skin felt sensitive and he wasn’t feeling too well. He just wanted to curl up and lie down for a long time.
Wei Wuxian was very mad when he heard the news. His eyes were red with anger at the injustice. Lan Wangji’s chest ached at how fond he is of his kind best friend.
Wei Wuxian wanted to march in the meeting room and yell at the faculty but Lan Wangji places a hand on Wei Wuxian’s arm and shakes his head. He immediately calms at the contact and he gives Lan Wangji a puppy-eyed look.
“Thank you,” Lan Wangji tells him. He requests Wei Wuxian escort him to the gate instead. “These two weeks will pass by quickly, you will see.”
Wei Wuxian nods dejectedly as he sees him off at the gate. “I’ll raise hell while you’re gone, Lan Zhan.”
“Please don’t.”
Wei Wuxian finally cracks a smile at his exasperated tone. “Okay, but I’ll send you a text every day. Oh, and my notes too, so you won’t fall behind.”
“Thank you, Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji says sincerely. Wei Wuxian purses his lips before he reaches out to hug Lan Wangji and scent mark him. The burning in Lan Wangji’s chest intensifies from his actions.
“See you later, Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian whispers and lets him go. The alpha waves at him and watches him get in his uncle’s car.
That night, Lan Wangji goes through his first heat.
Wei Wuxian tries to visit his house the next day but Lan Qiren forbids him. Lan Wangji’s uncle is angry at Lan Wangji for fighting on the school premises and livid at the school for its blatant favoritism.
After Lan Wangji’s heat, he tells him they are going back to their hometown. The fresh air and peace would help balance out Lan Wangji’s energies as a newly presented omega and maybe having Lan Xichen scold him in person would remind him not to get into fights at school.
Five hours of car travel later, Lan Xichen greets his newly presented brother with a hug.
“Xichen, you must read to Wangji the Lans’ percepts while he unpacks,” Lan Qiren tells his oldest nephew.
“Of course, uncle.” Lan Xichen says loyally. He helps them carry their small luggage inside. He follows Lan Wangji to his room, making sure to grab the Lan percepts right in front of his uncle’s eyes. Lan Qiren nods in approval and lets them be.
Once the door is closed and locked, Lan Xichen places the book inside a drawer and sits by Lan Wangji’s bed. “So, how have you been?”
Lan Wangji sits properly on the floor and starts to unpack his things. He glances at his brother. “Brother, you should be reading the percepts to me.”
Lan Xichen waves away his words. “You and I have it memorized, so there is no need for me to read it to you,” he says with a charming smile. “Now, to more important things. You had a heat and now you’re an omega! Have you told Wei Wuxian yet?”
Lan Wangji’s ears are red and he shakes his head.
Lan Wangji is surprised but also a little bit thrilled by his late presentation. In their society, Alpha-Omega and Beta-Beta pairs were the norms and any other pairings were very, very rare. When Wei Wuxian presented as an Alpha, Lan Wangji had anticipated his own presentation but lost hope as years passed.
Still, he had tried to let Wei Wuxian know of his interest, despite being a beta. He invited him out to the movies or to study dates, but Wei Wuxian always viewed those as things best friends did. Sometimes he even brought Nie Huaisang and Jiang Cheng with him.
Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang had given him looks of pity and apology and Lan Wangji had learned to live with only being seen as a ‘best friend’ by Wei Wuxian after that.
Now though, since he presented as an omega, he might finally have a chance. Maybe Wei Wuxian can finally see him as something more than a friend, now that they are biologically compatible.
Lan Xichen couldn’t help but smile at his brother’s quiet happiness. “You must tell him, as soon as you can then, didi. I’m sure he would be thrilled.”
Lan Xichen sees the looks these two exchange when they think no one is looking. He wonders how they could be so oblivious, but then again, maybe Wei Wuxian was not aware of his own feelings because Wangji was a beta. Still, he hopes that this time, Wei Wuxian can see his brother as something more than a friend.
The next day, Lan Wangji finally composed a message he was satisfied enough to send to Wei Wuxian explaining his unexpected presentation. Before he could press send, however, his phone begins to ping at a rapid pace.
The eight hours mute he had placed on the students’ group chat had expired and now he was getting notifications from them again.
The constant pinging and notifications were irritating him. Usually, the chat wasn’t this bad but ever since yesterday, it has been blowing up. He had texted Nie Huaisang for a summarized version of the events. He wondered if he had missed a test or if there was a school event he forgot but, as it turns out, everyone was just excited because the school had two new transfer students and everyone was curious about them.
A beta and omega pair of siblings, Nie Huaisang told him yesterday.
Lan Wangji sighs in exasperation and he goes to mute the chat. Before he could, a chat bubble catches his eye.
Wei Wuxian is smitten 😭 !
Lan Wangji pauses. What? He back reads the chats, frustration growing at every new ping. The pair of siblings in school are surnamed Wen. One is a sweet, shy omega boy and the older sister is a fierce, beautiful beta.
The sister, Wen Qing, caught Wei Wuxian’s eye. Some people claim to have seen Wei Wuxian teasing her relentlessly for the past week.
Hey, hey, she is a beta though. Alphas go with omegas and betas go with betas, someone chats in response to the speculation between the two.
That is an old-fashioned way of thinking! And you know Wei Wuxian, his motto is ‘doing the impossible’ 😏
The last chat is what takes the straw.
I saw them on a date at the skate park yesterday! A picture is sent and Lan Wangji clicks on it, eyes going wide when he sees a picture of Wen Qing hugging Wei Wuxian tightly. The alpha is smiling brightly as he hugs her back.
Lan Wangji exits the app and the phone drops on his lap. He sits there for a moment, trying to gather his thoughts and emotions.
He is heartbroken. He had thought Wei Wuxian didn’t see him as anything more than a friend because he was a beta. But if these rumors were true and Wei Wuxian fell for a beta anyway, even though it wasn’t the norm, then that means Wei Wuxian didn’t see him as anything more because he was Lan Wangji.
Beta or omega, Wei Ying would never want him.
He lies down and doesn’t go out of his room for the rest of the day.
Lan Xichen immediately knows something is wrong when his brother did not show up for dinner. He decided to give him a single night to gather his thoughts and the next day when he still hasn’t come out for breakfast, he goes and knocks on the door.
There is no response, but the room is unlocked. He goes in and sees Wangji sitting up on his bed quietly looking down at his phone.
Lan Xichen sits at his bedside and asks, “did you tell him?”
Lan Wangji shakes his head and Lan Xichen lets out a breath. He had been preparing to ‘talk’ with Wei Wuxian. He had even thought of messaging Nie Mingjue for tips on how to scare people who broke your younger brother’s heart.
“Then, what’s wrong?”
Lan Wangji shakes his head again but he doesn’t stop his brother when he takes his phone. Lan Xichen goes through his chats and it doesn’t take long to see the recent hot topic in school: is Wei Wuxian dating the new girl?
“Wangji, it’s just a bunch of rumors. It could be a misunderstanding-”
“No,” Wangji says sounding tired and decisive. “No, brother, what was I expecting anyway? That I was special? That I could be someone special? I heard how other people talk about me, I’m uptight and cold. Everyone is always surprised that Wei Ying and I are friends. Being something more to him? That was always out of reach.”
Lan Xichen tries to convince him otherwise, but his younger brother is tired of listening.
“I apologize for missing dinner last night. I will go and eat breakfast now,” Lan Wangji tells him to change the subject. He leaves and Lan Xichen watches him go.
The older Lan brother leans back against Lan Wangji’s bed, deep in thought. He has seen how Wangji and Wei Wuxian look at each other. He has tried to convince Lan Wangji that Wei Wuxian might like him back, but so far that has failed and Wangji’s self-confidence is at an all-time low because of his classmates' daily teasing.
Lan Wangji said that the students tease him for his personality and strictness and…
Lan Xichen looks to the side and stares at Wangji’s collection of hoodies for a long time. He smiles to himself.
He has a plan.
Wei Wuxian frowns down at his phone before sending another message. He sighs and pockets his phone. He leans against his locker, deep in thought.
Today is the day Lan Wangji comes back from suspension. He is excited to see him again but also worried for Lan Wangji whose responses to him became sparser as the days go by. He hopes he is all right.
Wei Wuxian is distracted from his thoughts when he sees a crowd of people gathering at the school’s front doors. He jogs up to them, wondering what is happening. There are whispers of confusion and a few exclamations of surprise.
“What’s going on?” He asks an excited-looking Nie Huaisang when he sees him at the front of the crowd.
Nie Huaisang looks up at his words and smiles mischievously. “See for yourself,” he steps aside so Wei Wuxian can have a good look.
Wei Wuxian gives his friend a confused look but curiosity wins out and he steps forward to see what the fuss is about.
A tall guy is walking up the school steps and no one seems to recognize him. The people who pass by him look at him in curiosity. Wei Wuxian even sees one sniff the air in surprise.
The guy is wearing a white, cable-knitted jumper with long sleeves that have thumbholes on them and form-fitting dark jeans tucked into clean white shoes with light blue laces. He had a powder blue scarf around his neck and dark, silky hair free of any type of product. He looks up at the gathered people in confusion and his eyes reflect the sunlight giving them a golden hue-
Wait.
Wait, that’s Lan Zhan!
“Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian gasps as he rushes down the stairs without a second thought. His exclamation is heard by most and whispers spread among the crowd like fire. “Lan Zhan, you’re back!”
“Lan Wangji? What? No way!”
“Did he switch his dorky glasses for contacts? Oh my god!”
“He is so hot!”
Wei Wuxian feels a prickle of annoyance at the people ogling his best friend. He hurries towards the other and throws an arm protectively around him. He gives him a bright grin. “Lan Zhan! I am so glad that you’re-”
He pauses, tilts his head sniffs the air. It smells like orange blossoms and sandalwood with a hint of frost. Wei Wuxian’s eyes flash and he comes closer to Lan Wangji, curious and intrigued. He realizes he is the source of the addicting smell. “Lan Zhan, uhm, why do you smell different? A new perfume?”
Lan Wangji looks back at Wei Wuxian. “I presented,” he says simply. “I’m an omega.”
Wei Wuxian gapes at him in surprise. A few people nearby hear his words and quickly spreads the gossip to their friends. By lunchtime, everyone in school knew that Lan Wangji was a newly presented omega.
“Stop staring!” Jiang Cheng hisses at Wei Wuxian’s direction. “We have to get this project done today!”
Wei Wuxian drags his eyes away from where he had been staring at Lan Wangji standing in line to buy his lunch. He frowns down at their classwork before he takes a pencil and solves the entire problem in under five minutes.
“There! All done!” He says smugly much to his brother’s annoyance.
Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes at him, quickly collecting the paper so he can rewrite it in a way the teacher could understand. Nie Huaisang eyes them both with amusement. Wei Wuxian goes back to staring at Lan Wangji, only to growl under his breath when he sees his best friend being surrounded by flirting alphas, offering to buy his lunch for him.
“Be right back,” he says as he stands up. He jogs towards Lan Wangji who is turning down an invitation to sit with an alpha and his friends.
“Sorry,” Wei Wuxian is aware he is posturing as he grins widely at the other alpha. “But Lan Zhan already promised to sit with us.”
The alpha steps back at Wei Wuxian’s smile. He looks at Lan Wangji for support but the omega merely says, “he is right.” He doesn’t give the dejected alpha a second glance and follows Wei Wuxian back to their table.
Wei Wuxian puts an arm around Lan Wangji’s shoulders and looks behind him to stick his tongue out at the other alpha.
“Thank you, Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji says as he sits down next to the alpha. Wei Wuxian preens and crowds his best friend to scent mark him. The tips of Lan Wangji’s ears are flushed red. Nie Huaisang smiles at the two while Jiang Cheng groans in disgust.
“You’ve got it bad,” Nie Huaisang says knowingly and Wei Wuxian shoots his friend a look. Nie Huaisang hums innocently as he takes out his packed lunch.
Jiang Cheng’s phone chimes and he picks it up as he eats his sandwich. “Don’t forget, we’re meeting up with the Wens later.”
Lan Wangji pauses for a moment before he takes a bite of food. Wei Wuxian hums noncommittally. Lan Wangji just got back to school and they hadn’t spent much time together yet. He will have to excuse himself from the hang-out later. He found a new wildlife documentary for him and Lan Wangji to watch and it features rabbits!
Before he could say anything, however, Lan Wangji speaks first. “I have heard you made new friends.”
Wei Wuxian realizes he has yet to tell Lan Wangji about the Wens. “Oh right, the Wens! I met them during their first day here.”
“Mn,” Lan Wangji hums, he pushes his food around, not taking a bite. “I heard you are quite close with the older Wen.”
“Oh? Do you mean Wen Qing? I am close to them both actually. Wen Ning is a little shy but he is great. He used to be the captain of the archery club in his last school.” Wei Wuxian says with a bright smile. “Wen Qing, on the other hand, is a bit scary but she is so smart and beautiful. She wants to be a doctor someday and that’s amazing!”
Wei Wuxian tells Lan Wangji about their initial first meeting which involved acupuncture needles and threats. “I told her I supported her dreams of being a doctor but doctors saved lives, not threatened them,” he jokes. “She glared at me so hard I thought I would catch on fire! But aside from the occasional jokes, we get along really well.”
Lan Wangji frowns down at his food. He exhales and says, “I see. I am happy for you, Wei Ying.”
”Huh? Happy? Thanks, I guess?” Wei Wuxian is confused. Lan Wangji says he is happy he had new friends but his sandalwood scent has dampened as though he is very sad. “Lan Zhan, is everything all right?”
“It is fine, I just remembered I left something in the music room.” Lan Wangji stands up, “I have to go and get it.”
“Let me come with-”
“I will be fine, thank you,” He dismisses the other with a stern tone. Wei Wuxian sits back down, confused. Lan Wangji gathers his things and quickly makes his exit.
Wei Wuxian stares after him, dumbfounded for a moment. “Did I say something wrong?”
Nie Huaisang, who has been watching their conversation with hawk eyes, sighs in disappointment. He looks at Wei Wuxian’s confused expression and decides to take pity on him. “He thinks you’re dating Wen Qing.”
Wei Wuxian startles, “what? But I’m not!”
“Well, more than half of the school thinks you are,” Jiang Cheng says rather grumpily.
“She is just a friend! Besides I already…” Wei Wuxian looks longingly at the door Lan Wangji just exited from.
Nie Huaisang lets out a heavy sigh of frustration. The whole week of face timing Xichen-ge and coordinating outfits for Lan Wangji to wear to make his entrance to the school and grand reveal of his new designation as an omega more explosive- all of this hard work is going down the drain because of what? Because these two are too oblivious to figure out each other’s feelings?
“Then why don’t you go tell him that?”
Wei Wuxian looks away, refusing to meet his eyes. “Tell him what?”
Nie Huaisang looks like he is losing his patience and he taps his fan on the table quite menacingly. “Brother Wei, I respect you a lot but for a genius, you are such an idiot sometimes.”
“Hey!”
Nie Huaisang ignores his hurt expression and continues his tirade. “Lan Wangji is beautiful, smart, and is a newly presented omega! Today, a lot of people realized what a catch he is beneath those oversized hoodies and thick-rimmed glasses. Are you going to wait for someone to snatch him right under your nose before you take action?”
Wei Wuxian gapes at him and Nie Huaisang rolls his eyes. Time for a bit more push, it seems.
He leans forward as though to divulge a secret. “I heard an upperclassman has set his sights on him. Do you know senior Xiao Zhan? He is kind, respectful, very handsome, athletic and so charismatic,” Nie Huaisang sighs dreamily as Wei Wuxian freezes. “I heard he and Lan Wangji got along well, even before today. I heard from Mianmian that he is hoping to catch our Lan Wangji alone and maybe ask him out. He has a good reputation, and he follows the rules too! I’m sure Wangji will find him attractive and say-”
Wei Wuxian’s seat is empty before he even finishes speaking. Nie Huaisang leans back in his chair and crosses his arms like this was another job well done.
Jiang Cheng shoots him a wary look.
“You… are terrifying.”
“Why, thank you, Jiang-xiong.”
Xiao Zhan smiles gently at Lan Wangji as they talk about their favorite song composer Lin Hai. “The way the qin and the flute complement each other in the second verse, right at the part that says ‘share a melodious song with the world’ is what brought the entire thing together for me.”
“Mn,” Lan Wangji agrees as he looks down at the sheet music the senior was showing him. Lin Hai’s ‘wuji’ is his most favorite song track from the composer. Wei Wuxian was the one who introduced the song to him.
“You could definitely sing it better, Lan Zhan!” Wei Ying said to him with a bright grin. “And you play the guqin, right? I can learn the flute and we can do a duet! It will be great.”
Lan Wangji smiles softly at the memory and Xiao Zhan’s breath hitches when he sees it. He blushes as he steps forward and starts to ask, “uhm, so this is a duet piece and I thought we could… practice it together? Maybe? Then, after, if you’d like to get coffee-”
The two are interrupted when Wei Wuxian comes barreling out of nowhere and right in between them.
Lan Wangji catches his alpha best friend by the shoulders, startled. “Wei Ying!”
“Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian pants and he sends a quick glare at Xiao Zhan who steps back. His spicy scent is a little sharp and it tickles Lan Wangji’s nose. “Wen Qing and I aren’t dating! We’re just friends! So pick me! Don’t pick him!”
“What?”
“I don’t care if he is more handsome than me or better at following rules than me or smarter than me! I will definitely treat you better!”
“Wei Ying, what are you-”
“You are really great I like you!”
Lan Wangji is struck speechless. He couldn’t mean-
“Or in other words, I fancy you, I love you, I want you, I can’t leave you, I whatever you!” Wei Wuxian insists. His eyes meet Lan Wangji’s and they are sincere. “I swear this isn’t in the heat of the moment! I didn’t start liking you just because you presented as an omega! I have liked you for a long time!”
“You have?” Lan Wangji says quietly, still in disbelief. His hands are shaking slightly.
Wei Wuxian nods quickly. “Your family are traditionalists and you follow the rules so well, I thought I had no chance with you because I was an alpha!”
“Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji sighs and cups his face, eyes soft. “It didn’t matter to me if you are a beta, alpha, or omega…” He hesitates before he speaks again. “My heart can only pick Wei Ying.”
Wei Wuxian’s eyes widen in surprise. He had come barreling in with his heart full of unsaid feelings but he had never thought they would be answered.
“Lan Zhan!” He hugs Lan Wangji tightly, scenting him and burying his face on his shoulder. The space between them is filled with the warm, spicy scent of orange blossoms and sandalwood. “I really like you so much! It can’t be anyone but you!”
“Wei Ying. I like you too. There is no one but you.”
Xiao Zhan is embarrassed to witness such a heartfelt scene and he slinks away, slightly disappointed. He had been hoping to ask the omega out himself, but it seems like he would have been rejected anyway. But, even though he had been indirectly rejected, he thinks those two suit each other well.
He looks back and sees Lan Wangji smiling softly at a laughing Wei Wuxian, their arms still around each other.
Xiao Zhan smiles at the sweet scene.
He wishes them well.
The next day, news of alpha Wei Wuxian and omega Lan Wangji dating spreads quickly around the school. Quite a lot of students are disappointed that their favorite alpha is off the market and some alphas, who had been hoping to snag a recently presented Lan Wangji, are annoyed someone got to him before them.
Wei Wuxian’s arm holds Lan Wangji close by the waist as he glares at the alphas looking at Lan Wangji with bitter disappointment. Lan Wangji takes no notice, too busy reviewing his notes for their next class.
Nie Huaisang meets them by their locker with a smirk.
“Glad to see you two finally get your heads out of your asses,” Nie Huaisang says smugly. Wei Wuxian sighs and grumbles at him. Nie Huaisang playfully cups his ear and asks, “I’m sorry, what was that?”
Wei Wuxian sighs and says louder, “thank you, Nie-xiong.”
Lan Wangji tilts his head in gratitude as well.
Lan Wangji’s brother had excitedly awaited his arrival last night. Nie Huaisang had told him the plan was a success, so Lan Xichen decided to come clean about the role he and Nie Huaisang played in giving Lan Wangji a makeover before he went back to school.
Lan Wangji remembers Lan Xichen was the one who drove him back to the city in his very nice car. When they arrived at the house, Lan Xichen gasped dramatically that he forgot Lan Wangji’s luggage and although Lan Wangji still had clothes at their city home, he insisted on buying him some clothes at one of the high-end stores in the city. He had been texting a lot as they picked clothes for Lan Wangji. Now he knows, Lan Xichen had been texting Nie Huaisang asking for opinions on the clothes and stores.
Lan Xichen had been very invested in his outfit on the morning he was going back to school and he even drove Lan Wangji up to the gates in his silver and blue electric car, which successfully caught every student’s attention.
The rest, as they say, was history.
“I’m just glad I don’t have to see any more pining,” Nie Huaisang sighs as he fans himself but his smile is sincere. “Congratulations, by the way, I’m glad you’re together and happy.”
“Thank you,” Lan Wangji says, his scent smells like blooming flowers as he smiles, surprising Nie Huaisang and everyone who was watching. “No one makes me happier than Wei Ying.”
“Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian covers his red face in embarrassment before he turns to his boyfriend and gives him a quick kiss on the lips. “I really love you a lot!”
The tips of Lan Wangji’s ears are red as he says, “mn, I love you too.” Then he leans forward and proceeds to kiss Wei Ying back.
And so, that’s how Wei Wuxian, the most popular alpha in school, and Lan Wangji, the once ice-cold beta became the most controversial and most popular couple in their school.
The End