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peachyjie · 6 years

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Strawberries and Cigarettes || Zhu Zheng Ting

— Author Note :

Tbh, idk if this is still considered a soulmate!au or not. But I just like the concept! This is requested by the lovely @lovee-myseelf , thank you for your request and patience on waiting this piece and I hope you enjoy it :>

— Warning : Well.... there’s a mention of cigarettes in the title but I doubt any would be shown, it’s just a reference so yea. It’s the cliche storyline btw.

— Wc : 8.794

— Pairing : Zhu Zheng Ting - 98!liner Reader

— Genre : Soulmate!au + fluff

— Summary : Sometimes the sense of home, is the person you’re with. Even when they’re far apart, the memories and scent they carry will always lingers

This is the story of you and him, about how you met, how it started and how it ends. The story of 2 different people with 2 different lives.

The Tale – Soulmates from birth, soulmates till death

To you,

Zhu Zheng Ting has the scent of morning mist and light musk in autumn. His scent is strong and soothing whenever he’s near, it’s also subtle and fresh when he’s far. His scent always reminds you of smoke rings that lingers around the air once it’s blown.

Like cigarettes. His strong persona, his charm, his scent.

To him,

You have the scent of plump fruits and freshly bloomed flowers in spring. Your scent is welcoming and sweet whenever you passed by him, it’s also simple and addicting to be remembered when you’re away. Your scent always reminds him of sugar from the sweet shops and bakeries.

Like strawberries. Your sweet persona, your smiles, your scent.

It wasn’t a wonder how people would often turn around and take a double take whenever you’re walking down with Zhengting. It wasn’t a wonder how your parents are also cautious of him whenever he drops by. It wasn’t a wonder how your younger brother is far more than protective on you whenever he sees Zhengting.

Both of you are different, very different from one another. So, it wasn’t a wonder how both of you could attract many attentions.

Zhu Zheng Ting, the High School’s notorious bad-boy. The bad-boy who is mischief and rebellious, moody as he can be and hated summer.

Huang Y/N, the High School’s lovable sweetheart. The sweetheart who is loving and caring, always thin about others and loved summer.

It’s much funnier to know even with such opposite personalities, Zhengting’s fate had always been tangled with yours. Both of you didn’t realizes it at first, but it didn’t take too long for any to catch up on it.

To put it in a more cliché way and simple way, both of you are meant to be. You’re meant to bumped into him, he’s meant to be pulled into your life.

Soulmates

Back in the days, where people still believe in myths of how Greek made theories against soulmates. There is a saying that people are born from each descendant of God or Goddesses. Each descendant will have their own special way to identify their soulmate.

The oracle of Hades and Persephone, God of the Underworld and Goddess of Spring. It’s a simple tale that tells how you and him happened. Where’s one day during her stay in the Underworld, she suddenly missed the essence of life. So, when Hades knew, he tried to find the best solution to ease his loving queen. He grows a whole garden filled with freshly bloomed flowers, tall green trees and bright plumped fruits. She lives in the Underworld happily surrounded by the murky strong scent whilst he grew to love the sweet lively scent.

Giving the Underworld a more diverse scent against its putrid reality.

This is more likely sum up how those who are their descendent are usually have a sensitive smell. They react far too easily on scent, often too sensitive. They would grow uncomfortable when their nose come in contact with putrid and un-pleasant scent, they would find the perfume shops as their only safe haven.

Now, because they have a sensitive nose, it’s very easy for them to know their soulmate. The scent of their soulmate is what defines who is who’s. One whip of their scent and that’s enough to lock them in. The feeling of longing and desire would grow stronger, forever only that one scent will stay with you.

Forever that scent is what soothes you, bringing you the sense of life and the sense home.

The Present – 5 years later

It’s summer, mid-summer in the big city we call China.

The room is shut tightly, the curtains drawn in to block any living daylight that wants to pass. A figure lay deep in slumber under his warm blankets, feeling the comfort against the cool room. It wasn’t until a small slit could be seen from the curtains, the small lining of light crawls itself towards the peaceful male.

It took his system a while to jerk awake against the sudden change of temperature, the blinding light against his closed lid. He groans, moans as he stretched.

He sat up and peaked against his dimly lit room. His mind is trying its best to process the whole situation, trying his best to make his life organized. But what’s a descendant of Hades doing without a very sensitive nose in the morning?

“Ahh… morning breath”, he hissed a little and made his way to the washroom.

When the door opens once again, he’s already in peace. His hand brushed over his freshly washed hair in a delicate manner, his skin still soft from the warm shower, his mouth fresh like the cold sensation of mint. Then, without wasting another second, he pulls the curtains as he lets the summer light into his room.

This is Zhu Zheng Ting, the fresh graduate from university, infamous bad boy in High School, living in his 5 years relationship as your lover and your soulmate.

He smiled a little feeling the sudden nostalgia running into his system, for once he felt the real meaning of peace. Seamlessly forgetting about reality, the reality where he lives with 6 other people under the same roof.

6 chaotic troublemakers

Zhengting shuddered in disgust on the odd stench, his hazy morning mind still processing the whole situation. Then, Zhengting dashes out of his room in a hurry.

“I swear… not again”, he said in a hurry as his feet thundered the wooden floor.

In a speed of light, he ran from his room and thunders down the stairs. He rounded into the corner, dashing into the kitchen as his other hand grabs the fire extinguisher.

In the once clean, sparkling kitchen he cleaned last week is now surrounded by nothing but smoke, a flaming toast and 2 screaming children.

Zhengting stare blankly at the scene, mind failed to process the situation due to his mind being too busy thinking about his thrown away effort. One decided to cease the fire with a cloth, continuously slapping the dry cloth against the flaming fire on the pan.

Like that would work.

When the cloth catches itself on fire, Chengcheng yelled more. His other mate, Justin wasn’t much help either as he was also freaking out by the burnt bread. Without much thought, Zhengting aimed the extinguisher on the pan, ceasing the whole fire in a matter of second.

Then he looked at Chengcheng. “Ge, no—“, and now they have one living snowman in the middle of summer.

Zhengting stare at the now burnt pan, he bought this 2 weeks ago and had yet to use it. He sighed and threw it into the dishwasher before glaring at the 2 children.

“What made you both think it’s a great idea to set the house on fire in this early morning?”, he hissed out. Justin goofily smiled at him whilst Chengcheng was too busy getting the white fluff off him.

“My sister is coming back, so I planned on making her toast!”, the youngest exclaimed gleefully. Zhengting stare at Justin’s pure excitement, the innocence in the child. He wished he could stay mad at him longer, instead he pats Justin head and ushered him away.

“Next time, try not burning the whole house down”, he sighed silently.

“We’re picking her up right? I want to see her quickly!”, Justin whined at him. Zhengting only laughed at the younger’s manner – “I wouldn’t miss meeting her also, Huang”.

When Justin is out of the kitchen, Zhengting finally spare a glance at Chengcheng. The male obviously still disgusted by the fluff texture from earlier, but Zhengting showed no remorse.

“Make sure you gargle and rise, and put on extra deodorant”, and Zhengting was out of the kitchen once again. Leaving the grumpy male, hissing out a sarcastic – “Okay, mom”.

Zhengting smiled softly towards them, feeling the incoming warmth running in his system. The familiar scent of spring rising to his senses, dominating the summer breeze.

You’re finally coming back

*****

The Past – 5 years ago, few weeks before the new semester

Zhengting swore he’ll always be grateful by Wenjun’s decision on spending his summer break working for extra cash. Because if it’s wasn’t for that one phone call Wenjun made, Zhengting wouldn’t know how the us would’ve started.

It was like fate wanted both to finish things quickly, because both of you didn’t have any intention on meeting one another that day.

You were out buying some popsicles to fight the summer heat and a bottle of banana milk for your younger brother, the one and only Huang Justin. Whilst Zhengting, he was awoken from his afternoon nap by Wenjun’s abrupt phone call half whispering, half yelling – “Dude, that girl! She’s here! Hurry up!!”

Wenjun had told him about how the summer job not only granted him some extra cash to spend, but also how it gave him the infamous summer crush experience.

Zhengting never met who had manage to grab Wenjun’s attention this fast, especially since it’s like a week before High School starts again. Wenjun only described you as the polite female who always smile and sweet to everyone.

But he also said about you having a very sensitive nose just like him.

Well, who would know that Wenjun’s tiny crush ended up being the ultimate wingman of his meeting with you. Zhengting is forever grateful by Wenjun, but also pities him as his summer crush ended like that.

“Here’s the change”, he smiled widely at you as his hand extended itself to hand you the spare change.

Mouth biting on the cold ice, you hummed at him as a sign of thank you. It wasn’t until your nose tingles, sensing the odd sensation in the store. You stare at Wenjun confused, then you looked at his neck.

“You changed your cologne”, you blurted out without much thought. Wenjun who’s very much taken aback stared at you in surprised. “H-How did you know?”, he said.

Flustered, you only shake his question away trying your best to avoid any more confrontation. “I’m sorry, forget about it. I have uhh—somewhere to go!”, you said quickly. You took the spare change as fast as you can and dashes your way to the door with your other purchases. “Thank you—“, you said as your eyes wander around him before resting on his tag.

“—Wenjun?”, and BAM!

It was hard to process everything now. Your mind was hazy from fluster, your face was red from embarrassment, now you’re whimpering in pain by the great force of glass hitting your face. Hands on your face, you didn’t even care the once opened one is now on the dirty floor as you still had others dangling on your arm.

You hissed in pain, feeling the throbbing on your nose.

“I’m so sorry”, you looked up towards the figure. Very much not minding their mistake as you’re trying to escape yours. Waving your hand in dismissal, you tried to ease the pain whilst made your way to apologize on the stranger also.

“It’s fine, it was my—“, you choked on your words when you finally grasp on his full feature.

Breathtakingly beautiful

“—fault”, you said mindlessly, sensing your conscious slowly driving you away under his structure. You knew, he wasn’t in your neighborhood. Nobody this perfect would even think on living near your part, yet you rarely saw him even if he lives in the other part of town.

Dressed casually with a white tee and black ripped jeans, the aesthetically pleasing white high-top converse shoes, it fitted him. His eyes were doll like yet sharp, jawline prominent as if god craved so it can cut anyone, his lips are perfectly proportioned, tall and simply beautiful.

But you noticed something more, something more alluring from him.

His scent

The smell of musk and morning mist of autumn in the woods, accompanied by a little fresh stench of mints. It was strong yet delightful, especially with a tinge of smoke in it. Does he smoke? But you hated the smell of smoke and cigarettes, it always caused your nose to react badly. But why does his smelt so nice and sweet? Is it his natural scent?

“Hello?”, you stare blankly at his hand movement, probably confused on the fact you’re literally standing frozen yet looking high as ever.

When you snapped back to reality, you gasped in surprise. “I am so sorry!”, you said and this time you really dashed off the store as quickly as you can. You didn’t care anymore, today was enough embarrassment for you to handle.

Zhengting stare at you in a daze, he kept looking until your figure disappeared around the corner clearly noticing your slight tinged cheeks. Zhengting smiled a little, mostly thinking the small odd interaction was somewhat cute.

“She’s cute, isn’t she?”, Zhengting snapped his head to Wenjun. The male’s arm propped themselves on the metal counter, his head resting on the palms as his eyes stares dotingly at your already disappeared figure.

“Was it necessary for you to call me just for that?”, Zhengting said as he strode over to Wenjun. “You know I hate going out during summer break. Odd odors, mixture of sweats and perfumes, not to mention the unbearable heat”, he hissed out.

Wenjun, noticing the male’s mood changing just quickly grabbed the spare cold milk and throw it at Zhengting.

Without much hassle, Zhengting simply caught it and opened the flap, chugging the cold liquid down his burning throat. The male sighed in content after a few gulps, feeling the sadness as the cold delicacy is already half gone.

“Yo, I think she digs me”, Wenjun boasted. Zhengting stare at the male, his face shows the obvious sarcasm. “It’s true! Just now, she even noticed that I—”

“You changed your perfume?”, Zhengting said causally as he takes another sip of his milk. Wenjun gasped in shock, hands on his mouth for a more dramatic effect.

“You’re not interested in me, are you?”, he asked cautiously at Zhengting, causing the older male throwing the empty carton at him.

“She probably noticed your new scent too strong and stinks”, Zhengting said. He turned his head a little towards Wenjun and smirked – “She isn’t wrong, you know”.

Wenjun huffed a little. “Well—she knows my name!”, he said proudly. Zhengting laughed a little, how gullible could this male get. He pointed out to his name tag, trying his best to calm himself or he’ll risk choking.

“She has eyes, Wenjun. She probably saw your name tag”, and finally Wenjun admit his own defeat. “It’s fine, I’m going to chase her anyways”, Zhengting only hummed a little as his eyes wandered itself on the melting popsicle on the ceramic floor.

Zhengting must admit, he also got himself dazed the moment he sees you. You looked so delicate and innocent, it wasn’t possible to lure a pure dandelion into a pit of acidic water.

You’re like the blooming flowers in spring, like the fruits ripening into its beautiful plump self. Sweet and addicting, like sugar and spices. Zhengting smiled to himself – “she smelled like spring”, he whispered.

Wenjun stare at him in confusion, “like what?”

Zhengting only dismissed the male’s question, still clearly in his own thought. He kept staring at the pool of melted sweet on the ground, your scent still lingers a little in his sense.

Fresh and subtle. “She’s very beautiful”, Zhengting smiled to himself.

By fate or by chance, Zhengting couldn’t wait to see you again.

*****

The Progress – How both finally collides after a few days in High School

During his survival in High School, every single morning will always be the same. Squealing and whispers surrounding him, as the infamous troublemaker really had the guts to set his foot in his parent’s school.

Zhu Zheng Ting, infamous bad boy, troublemaker 101, son of the headmasters. His parents, strict and cold towards him. Forcing their ways against his, ruining not just his childhood but also his life. The only people who crushed his dreams, leaving him empty into nothing in the society.

His persona just drags more people in. Girls would often flaunt themselves on him, showing him how they want him shamelessly. Guys would get close to him just for the sake of status, using him for their own benefits.

Zhengting hated his life, it wasn’t ideal for him. It was probably the reason why he lived his whole life in High School isolated, as a rebel for others to fear him. Zhengting doesn’t need them, he only needed himself and a few problems.

Wenjun is his only friend since childhood, being Zhengting’s neighbor for so long. Despite being a year younger than Zhengting, being hold in a different section of classes from him. He’s probably the only person in the entire school he could trust. The only person who understand who he is and how his life works.

It was during first day of senior year, the very last year of Zhengting’s hellhole. He noticed something different.

Zhengting couldn’t grasped it at first yet it was familiar. So familiar.

Zhengting knows it wasn’t the class, it’s the same old cube where students thinks its jail. It’s also not the bathroom, still putrid at its time. It’s also not the cafeteria, the food still as bland as ever.

It was the air, it’s different.

No odd odor of people, no artificial perfume scents. It was suddenly fresh and welcoming, it felt familiar. Like he smelt it somewhere. It bugs his mind since the beginning of the day until late lunchtime in the cafeteria. And when the door swung open, he swore the whole room smelled like spring, as if petals are falling from the ceiling.

“Sweet! She’s in this school also!”, Wenjun exclaimed nudging on a dazed Zhengting.

In all glory, you were here. You’re actually in his school, studying in his school. Zhengting thought he was dreaming, he actually met you again.

He noticed your confused self, looking around the room before abruptly resting your gaze at him. You furrowed your eyebrows at him, clearly confused on why this person is giving you a staring contest in such open area.

Then he smiled.

You swore, it took you a second to remember who he was. Remembering the last encounter, you just quickly walk back to the door in hope of finding your friend elsewhere.

“Y/N!!”, you stopped. Turning around, the familiar hand suddenly took a hold of yours, dragging you to order some food.

“I told you to wait for me, Xinchun!”, you hissed at the male. Xinchun only smiled sheepishly, ruffling your hair as he apologized.

At the same moment, who would know your small interaction with Xinchun brought more misunderstanding to others. More likely, your soulmate.

“She’s taken? Come on!”, Wenjun threw his utensils back to his tray with a huff. Zhengting only stare, hand gripping on his pair of utensils. It was a foreign feeling for him, he didn’t know who you were, yet he felt sick staring at that small interaction.

He hates it. And for the first time, he didn’t know what to do.

*****

Few days passes, Zhengting slowly grasped small facts regarding your arrival. He learned you’re the new kid in the school, freshly moved with that Xinchun guy. He learned that you’re more to the quieter side, always listening to Xinchun, who’s very contrast from your quietness, always ranting about life 24/7.

It wasn’t unusual now to see Zhengting in a daze, suddenly boring his gaze against your back during lunchtime or whenever he accidentally saw you on the hallway.

What he didn’t know about you was you’re also the observant type. Despite not talking much, you like to observe people quietly. Seeing each one differs from one another, watching as others interact as you stood by the sideline.

It didn’t take you long to notice his on-going stare on you nor his continuous glare to Xinchun. You could always feel his eyes whenever both of you passed by during class changes, or during lunchtime.

Because you’re also observing him from afar. Either he noticed or felt it, your eyes always lingered on his back whenever he passed you. Something about him suddenly attracts you, like he was ready to pull your strings to him.

“So, who’s that summer fling of yours?”, Xinchun once asked you. Your eyes wander around the cafeteria, noticing he’s still on his usual seat with his one and only friend, Wenjun. It was amazing how he still didn’t notice your continuous stare despite he’s always looking at you also.

When you didn’t answer Xinchun’s question, the male took the chance to see what you’re looking at. Or who you’re staring at.

The Zhu Zheng Ting

“God no, babe!”, he hissed at you. You blinked at him innocently, surprise by his sudden outburst. “You’re telling me that guy is your mysterious guy?!”, you literally had to launch yourself on him, closing his mouth with both of your hand for the sake of not letting others hear the conversation.

Xinchun pride your hands off him, glaring at you. “Babe, 3 o’clock is trouble and you’re not getting near him”, he said as he took a small sip of his cup.

You sighed a little on his words. When you began your journey in High School, you’ve also learned a few things about him aside of him having a beautiful face. You’ve noticed he’s the school’s troublemaker of the century, loving son of the headmaster of the school. It was very obvious to see others launch themselves on him just for the sake of their own benefits.

Xinchun was right, he is trouble. You were sure even if you’re bound as soulmates, it would be harder. You wouldn’t know how he works, how your family would gather and do a peace offering, but mostly if both of you will even last.

“I mean it, Y/N”, Xinchun hold his gaze on yours. “Stay away from him”, he was dead serious.

It was probably during your duty in the infirmary was your first official meeting with him. You woke up from the bed after a light nap, just as the door swung open with a small knock.

“Anyone here?”, your body grew rigid. Slowly, you draw the curtains that separates each bed away from your silhouette. In the same moment, Zhengting’s eyes locks itself on yours. Both of you swore it was like death suddenly met life during the match.

“The head is out for the moment, is there any problem?”, you asked him softly, trying your best not to stutter as his eyes kept boring itself on you.

It took him a while to snap back to reality, your scent simply hypnotized him to drive the male far away from reality. He sighed in content, forgetting where and in what situation he’s living in.

“Ehh… sorry?”, he snaps his eyes open and stare at you in shock. “I—uhh… I scraped my knees during practice”, he said.

Your eyes instinctively looked at his gash. It wasn’t a big wound nor that small, you nodded.

His eyes still rest themselves on you even when you’re cleaning the blood off his skin and gash. That day, Zhengting had to hold back all his will for a smile, he’s finally talking to you. The look of concentration you had when you wrap a bandage around his knee was the most precious thing he had ever witness, he felt the beating of his heart increases in each passing second.

“All done!”, you said cheerfully. Looking up, you finally noticed his eyes on yours the whole time.

It took him a while to break the eye contact. Despite no wanting to, he did anyways. He stood up as you’re cleaning up the aftermath from his treatment.

“Thank you”, he said. You smiled and nodded at him a little.

He didn’t go, he still lingers in there for a while. Even after you finished arranging all the supplies on their respective places, he’s still there unmoving, not willing to move.

“Zhengting, I’m Zhu Zheng Ting”, he blurted out. You froze, very much taken aback at his sudden greeting.

“I know”, you blurted out. You swore, you wished you could slap yourself for blurting out random things in such odd situation. He stared at you confused, as if he was asking – you knew?

“I’ve watched—I mean, seen you a few times”, you groaned to yourself for being too obvious, you wished you could run now. He chuckled a little and nodded to himself.

You expected him to bid you a quick goodbye or at the very most, run. He didn’t, instead he gave out a smile and hummed a little.

“I’ve also watched you more than a few times also, Y/N”

You stare at him taken aback, he only smiled sheepishly on you. There, the next chapter finally unfolds.

*****

The Beginning – 4 months into High School

It started during mid-autumn. The leaves are changing colors to a beautiful contrast of orange and red to yellow, the weather is cooling down, and both of you and Zhengting finally made progress.

Sometimes, you would spend some time talking to him. Sometimes, he would pop up during your shift in the infirmary. Most of the time, both of you tried to keep a good distance from one another.

When you’re about to close the infirmary when you noticed a jacket resting on the table. Zhengting had lend you his jacket because you left yours at home. You almost forgot it was still with you until now. Without wasting any second you just quickly pack your things, stuffing his jacket on your arm and just went for the door.

It didn’t take you too long to find him. After all, his scent is very dominant from the other people around.

The slight musk and mint mixed together, it was like smelling autumn during winter days. Zhengting had always have this slight smoke tinge, making you wonder if the troublemaker here does smoke or not.

Your feet stopped after you rounded into one corner, noticing another tall male exiting a room. It was Wenjun.

“I’m going to get us some drinks, kay? Don’t take too long there!”, he said before going off to the opposite direction.

“The dance room?”, you wondered a little.

You could smell the upcoming scent of his getting stronger as each gap closes, the only thing separating you from going near him was the door. You could hear the light traditional music resonating in the room, accompanied by a small thud every now and then.

Without warning, you creaked the door open a little. No stench of sweat or huffing breath, it’s just him.

When you first noticed Zhengting, you’ve already concluded that he’s a beautiful human in existence. This time, you swore you thought you’ve seen an actual angel. The way his body moves along the smooth tones of the music, his whole aura glides to gracefully and delicately, it’s just beautiful. His whole figure glides like no other, as if the music runs into his veins.

Until his eyes locks on yours on the mirror, that’s when he lost his balance.

You screamed a little seeing his whole body impacted the hard floor, quickly running near him to ensure he wasn’t injured.

The moment your hand touches his arm, he just brushed you off harshly. Eyes red as if he’s in rage, huffing to calm his breath. “W-when—since when you were there?”, he said in between breath.

Confused, you didn’t know how to react. “Just now, I was coming to give you back your—”

“Why—No. Get out.”, he said.

You shake your head a little, still unsure if he’s really okay or not. “But, you fell and—”

“Get out, Y/N!”, he hollered out. You grew rigid, shock registering in your system. Quickly, you just scrambled on your feet and was ready to dash for the door. It wasn’t until Zhengting grabs a hold of your arm, his eyes very much in rage.

“Whatever you witnessed just now, don’t tell anyone”, he said. “forget about it”, he hissed out.

Leaving you in your own paranoia, Zhengting never chased you for any sort of explanation since then. He just left you in your own bubble of shock and fear.

In all his life, Zhengting could say he’d fucked up countless time. From disappointing his families until his own parents was ready to disown him at any time, he was okay about it. He didn’t care about them, he despises them anyways.

This time, he knew he fucked up real bad. He knew you’re still in school, he could smell your scent from far away. But you’re really avoiding him.

Sometimes, he could say the sensitive nose has it own perks. You know either someone is there or not, or just you use it to avoid people you don’t want to from their scent.

Whenever you sensed him getting closer, the usual calming scent suddenly become a huge alarm in your head, you just simply took a big U-turn and make a run for it. But that didn’t stop Zhengting from hunting you down.

He made the effort to find you. From getting confrontation of your best friend Xinchun who he found out that the male already has a soulmate until getting dumped by your younger brother who’s 6 years younger than him. The rage in the younger eyes, it was as if Justin was ready to bite him off even if Zhengting is the alpha in charge.

It took Zhengting a while to gather more than enough information to find your whereabouts. When he sees the folder of student bios laying around on his father’s study room, he just took it without consent and scan the thousands of faces on the papers.

There he knew, he just knew how to fix this whole situation as he now got your address. If he couldn’t explain it to you in school, he’ll just talk it out privately near your neighborhood.

Who knew the aftermath caught him in a dazed during a chilly weekend morning. From knowing you’re very loved in the school until discovering you’re also very much cherished at home. Not just by your parents, it was mostly by your brother who recently entered Junior High.

Justin stare at Zhengting from his legs up towards his face, the kid isn’t amused. Justin bites the straw of his banana milk on hand, eyes judging the older male who dare cause a ruckus in the household.

“You’re the douchebag that made my sister cry?”, Justin threw the bullet at him.

Zhengting stood on the yard awkwardly as Justin stare him down, it was amazing to know the kid is by means 6 years younger than him but knows how to dominate people. But that wasn’t the point, you cried?

“You’re really dumb for a troublemaker, you know?”, Justin cackled a little.

Zhengting swore, if this wasn’t for you, he would’ve smacked the kid in place right now. “Tell me where she is”, Zhengting said in a strict tone, hoping it would break down the younger’s hard attitude.

Justin scoffed a little. “You wish”, Justin scoffed at him.

Very much taken aback by Justin’s attack, Zhengting had never expected this much contrast between your brother with you yourself.

“You’re a tornado of trouble, right?”, Justin asked mindlessly as he takes another sip of his milk. Zhengting furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, he was pretty much already afraid of the kid.

“Eh… yea?”, he said unsurely causing a grin on the younger’s face.

Justin clucked his tongue a little, nodding. “Can you fight?”, he asked again.

Zhengting was pretty much already triggered by the question, nonetheless he just nodded again. “Tell you what, one round and I’ll tell you where she is”, Justin said.

Zhengting didn’t know what got into him, all he knew he had the best laugh in the century. Justin only stare at the older male pretty much unamused by his cackling, he only sips his banana milk quietly as he waits for him to finish his laugh.

“I mean it”, he said after Zhengting managed to calm himself. “Hit me once, I’ll tell you where my sister is. I hit you, you got to agree on my one wish then I’ll tell you where she is”, he smirked at Zhengting.

“You’re telling me, you’re going to tell me even if I fail on making a mark on you?”, he scoffed at the younger male.

Justin shurgs. “You’re her soulmate, there’s no reason for me to hold you off her that long”, he said. Justin takes a small step down the front door into the lawn. A small tug on his lips, he stared at Zhengting wildly.

“Come at me, Zhu”, he said. “Let’s see how well you can use your instinct”, and Zhengting launches himself on the young child.

*****

You sighed a little, huffing when you still failed on getting the book you needed. You thought for a while once again before rising up on your tippy toes as your arm reach high for the book on the top shelf.

It was nearing exam seasons and you took the time to revise everything in a more in depth manner. Hence, you decided it was best to spend it in the local library near your neighborhood. At this time of the early weekend, you decided it was best to spend your time revising your arch enemy, advanced calculus.

You huffed once again, now very much annoyed by the fact you’re still unable to get the book. You stare at the spine, very much boring lasers on the dead bounded pages of papers. Again, you tried once again to get the book. Arm stretching as far as you could as you tip toe for an extra helping height to reach the top shelf.

It took you a while to even register the smell of musk suddenly lingers in your senses. No, he couldn’t possibly be here, he doesn’t know this place exist.

When the scent became stronger, you didn’t have time to react fully by the incoming figure. A longer hand reaches out on the respective book you needed, causing you a bigger amount of shock and you turned around.

Alive and in his whole glory, Zhengting is there in front of your eyes.

You stare at him, almost thinking it was just hallucination because you’ve rarely met your soulmate now. He’s not real, it’s just in your mind.

“This is the book you needed right?”, you gasped in shock when he suddenly spoke, he stared at you in confusion.

“It’s not?”, he questioned. You reached out and poke him a little on his arm, feeling the warmth radiating from him. “Oh my god, you’re real”, you whispered to yourself. Zhengting chuckled at your confused self, pretty much amused on how the whole cat and mouse chase made you think.

“Here”, he passed on the book towards you which, you took without questioning as you mumbled a small – “Thank you…”

Then it was back to the awkward silence. Being in a very small space and a very close proximity with Zhengting wasn’t a good idea. You could feel yourself getting hotter at every passing second, especially when his eyes are already boring itself on you.

“Y/N?”, he called out.

Cautiously, you looked at him. He smiled a little, feeling the small beat in his chest rise louder and louder. “I’m sorry”, he said.

“I didn’t mean to suddenly yell at you that day. It was just—“, he sighed a little. “I was just—“, he groaned a little. Zhengting had no idea how he would explain this whole situation towards you, he himself is still lost on his own problem making it harder to explain his own outburst.

Your brother already gave him this opportunity and he can’t let this slip off. After all, Zhengting didn’t just sacrifice his pride to get his ass kicked by a Junior High kid. Damn, when Justin said he learned to fight, Zhengting would’ve never thought it meant I’m a black belt in Taekwondo also!

Zhengting took a small breath, calming his nerve a little. “Y/N”, he said once again. You kept staring at him, more likely very concerned on his behavior in each passing second.

“I think I’m in love with you”, he said.

You felt the slight heat crept itself on your neck, the pink radiating on your cheeks by the confession. Both of you knew, this is bound to happen. But it still gives out the same amount of fluster and nervousness on both actors.

You didn’t know how to exactly continue the whole conversation, instead you gave out a small squeak of “W-what?” in the most unsure manner ever.

“I’m in love with you—“, he said once again. He swallowed a little lump before continuing on. “—and I really want to kiss you right now”, he whispered.

Just like that, everything happened naturally. His hand rested itself on the shelf whilst the other snake towards your back, slowly he inches forward closing the gap. When you felt his lips rest itself on yours, you instinctively rest your hands on the line between his jawline and neck. Feeling far more in bliss, as if this whole situation was too good to be true. The sparks, the butterflies, all mixed into one.

When both finally pulled away, Zhengting only smiled widely at you. “Oh wow”, he whispered to himself. “I am very in love with you”, he said in a daze causing a small fit of laughter out of you in the process.

“I see you’ve met Justin”, you said suddenly. Zhengting only smiled sheepishly as he scratched the back of his head in shame. “It was the only way I could actually find you”, he said.

“I hope he didn’t cause you any injury then”, you said to him. Zhengting laughed, almost sarcastically as he said “No, Justin is a very nice kid anyways”.

“Isn’t he the sweetest?”, you said in pure glee.

Zhengting thought about earlier, the way Justin swiftly threw the male off as a kick landed itself on the older’s waist. Justin smiled at him, softly mumbling towards him. “She’s in the local library down the street”, he said casually. Finally deciding to help the older one out, Justin easily extended a helping hand which Zhengting accepted. When he grabs a hold of the younger’s hand, Justin just clenches it as a warning.

“Make her cry one more time, I’ll break that pretty face of yours”, Justin said softly, a smile still plastered itself on his face.

“Yea, he’s the sweetest”, Zhengting said as he shuddered a little. He swore, Justin Huang will always be the spawn of the devil himself.

*****

The Climax – The last obstacle for Hades and Persephone

When Zhengting graduate 2 years ago, he thought there would be nothing that will hold you away from him. He had the most blissful relationship with you, making memories non-stop. Sure, he had to deal with your parents, who are still cautious around him. And yes, Zhengting still fear Justin. Mostly, Zhengting will never forget about Xinchun being all snappy.

He remembered when Xinchun felt the upmost disbelief and shock when the news was given. “You’ve been dating this douche for almost a year and didn’t tell me?”, he snaps.

Zhengting only pulled you closer as the tiger snaps again as you looked at Xinchun in pure guilt. “We were keeping it subtle”, you mumbled.

“That doesn’t hide the fact you kept it from your best-friend”, he said back. You only mumbled a small apology at him, feeling nothing but pure guilt. When Xinchun leaves out a sigh, you were expecting him to throw another tantrum. Instead, the male ruffles your hair with a wide grin on his face.

“As long as you’re happy, I approve”, he said. Then his eyes locks with Zhengting’s, the smile completely wiped off. “Soulmates or not, if you hurt her, I am murdering you”, he hissed at the male before turning around to hand with Justin.

It’s an iconic memory, for you and Zhengting mostly.

“And I thought only your family is protective on you”, Zhengting said in a daze. You chuckled a little, “They just love me too much”.

He would never had thought time would pass that easily. One day he bumps into you, then the next day you’re both sealed the oath. It went away fast, without notice both started to change. You noticed Zhengting is more of the clingy touchy side, he would often snuggle himself on the crook of your neck.

“You just smelled so good”, he would often say. Sometimes he would ask what is his scent, which you replied easily with – “Like morning mist and smoke, fresh and strong”. It’s like him, painted the picture of who Zhengting truly is.

“Like flowers and sugar, spring and sweet”, he said to you. Just like you, it shows who you truly are in the end. It was cliché to say both of you are too blind for one another, it’s true.

“I am going to marry you one day”, he said during your first summer break as a High School graduate. You laughed at him, he turned around as his eyes glistened in hope. “I mean it, I am going to marry you one day”, he said.

“I believe in you”, you said before you pulled him into another kiss.

Innocent love, sweet and innocent. Like sugar and smoke.

Both of you always thought that nothing would come and ruin the relationship. Nothing. Even after 2 years and during your graduation and summer break. Just plainly in love and in peace. You’re going to univ like him then graduate, then Zhengting would find the right time to finally propose and everything will be official.

“I’m moving to London in a week, Ting”, was the first thing you said during his break from uni. “I’m moving there for college”, you said. Zhengting remembered he still had the smile on his face as his whole body froze, his hand gripped on the doorknob, so tight until his knuckles turned white.

He swore, that day he felt the world fall apart. He felt himself fall apart.

*****

You ran, as fast as your feet could. Passing each hallway to another, running up the stairs towards the other wings. When you stopped, you stare at the same door you visited last time.

The soft tune still resonates in the room, you could feel it vibration running from the wall to the door. Your heart thunders as your hand came in contact with the knob. Then you opened it.

“Ting?”

He turned his head around and you swore you felt your heart broke at the sight. He was shaking, his breath very uneven, eyes red. A sight you’ve never seen before, he’s disoriented. He stared at you in fear, his lips quiver from making any sound but a silent sob.

Dating Zhengting had been nothing but a blessing. He’s different from you, you’re the biggest contrast from him.

He didn’t force you into anything, you would never make him do things he doesn’t want. That day you noticed the difference. Zhengting already knew who you were inside out in just 3 months whilst you had no idea who he truly is. You’re not familiar of the Zhu Zheng Ting you’re dating, your own soulmate.

He’s still the biggest mystery you’d ever have, but you still accept him. You know, one day he will tell you. But you never understand how things escalated this far.

Until he was broken, you were finally lost. This time, you discover he’s not the troublemaker everyone talks about. He has his own problems in life, things he decided to keep to himself from the pity and the guilty eyes of society.

You just ran to him, slamming the door in the end. Soon, he cradles himself in you, desperate for any type of support.

His sobs became more violent, broken the more you hold him. He finally breaks. You slowly hushed him, lulling him to calm down from his own storm. “I—can’t—I”, he stuttered out.

“It’s okay, take your time”, you whispered softly at him. “It’s okay…”, you said.

He cried more. Zhengting didn’t know why, he felt like he found his own safe haven around you, his protection from his own weakness. The only person he could run to, the only person who shall see him in this broken state. You, only you.

“I don’t want you to leave”, he choked out the words. “But I can’t do anything, huh?”, he laughed to himself a little.

“It’s okay, Ting… It’s fine”, you said when he buried himself closer to the crook of your neck.

For once, he doesn’t believe your words.

“I got kicked out”, Zhengting said. The smile engraved itself on his face, his eyes still glistened like crystals. He’s beautiful.

“My parents—“, he choked on his words. “My parents finally kicked me out”, he said.

Zhengting didn’t know why, he felt the huge relief when he finally let loose. He smiled a little. “I was never that famous troublemaker everyone talks about. I caused trouble due to my fear of being used by them—”

He leans closer to your warmth. Instinctively, you wrapped your arms around him, spooning him in. “It’s not a secret that I have good scores that’s considered above average, almost perfect.”, he wondered a little.

“I studied day and night, just for my parents liking. They had no room for games, I was forced to be perfect just because they own this whole institution. Hence, my opinions never matter to them. I was always shunned off from their light, never becoming their priority—"

“I have my own passion, my own dream. I dreamed to get lulled under music, as my mind haze itself on the tune, as a dancer.”, he chuckled. “It never happened. I told them about my plans after High School, I would go to the best university that teaches Traditional Dance and graduate from there. Then I would pursue my life around the world, doing the things I love—“, he choked out.

Slowly, you wiped away the stray tear that left his eyes. Pressing a small kiss on his temple, you hushed him to calm down.

“My father—”, he choked out. “He hits me, he told me to stop thinking about useless things and just focus on reality. My mother only stared at me with the uttermost disappointment in her eyes. I was crushed, I thought I had to stop then”, he laughed a little to himself.

“But I can’t”, he whispered. “The will lingers, I can’t get rid of it that easily.”, he said.

“In the end, I always practice without their knowledge. I hid it from everyone in fear that words will travel around, then in the end my parents would know”, he said. “I’m sorry for that day, I truly am. I didn’t mean to yell at you or even have that outburst! I was paranoid, scared mostly—”

“You didn’t, instead you supported me. Constantly staying whenever I’m in this room. The awe in your face is just too precious and you even told me to chase my own dream, do thing I love.”

“I did, I got accepted in the university I wanted, into the major I love”, his hand tangles itself around yours as he laced his fingers with yours.

“Zhengting, I’m sorr—”

“It’s not your fault”, he said. “I got things covered for the future impact. I chose to tell them in the end. Like I expected, they kicked me out. It doesn’t matter anymore, if they can’t accept my own decision in my own life, then it’s the same they wouldn’t accept me for who I am”, he smiled a little in the end.

“As long as I have you, I’m fine”, he stared at you. He leans closer to your side, closing the small gap. His nose brushed against yours, breath tickling one another. He cups your face on his palms, the most sincere smile on his face.

“Go… I’ll support any decision you make”, he whispered. “I’ll sacrifice some of my happiness for you”, he said. He sighed a little, knowing each passing second means you’re slipping away. He smiled, for you he did.

“I truly love you, Huang Y/N”, and sealed his lips against yours.

Even when heavens rumbles, banned Hades from Olympus itself, he didn’t care. He knew there’s one person who will accept him fully back in the Underworld. His queen, his beloved, Persephone. He will wait for her comeback, and when she’s back in hell, they will fire Olympus down together.

*****

Now – Airport, 12.56 PM

Zhengting sighed loudly when he felt the stinging heat against his arms. He had always hated summer, not just from the heat or odd odors people emits. But bringing the other 6 people with him was like bringing a zoo to a public place.

He stares quietly at Justin and Chengcheng who’s fighting over a popsicle. The youngest is so pissed off, he pushed the whole ice in the older throat and choked Chengcheng in the process. Zeren who’s beside them is freaking out as he tried to calm the choking male. Then Xinchun and Quanzhe was screaming on one another just for the portable mini fan. This is giving the mother a headache.

Zhengting proceeded to stare at Wenjun who’s standing beside him quietly. At least he’s normal, he wondered to himself.

It took him a second to complain on the on-going summer heat. Zhengting swore he felt his heart rate rises up higher and higher each minutes pass.

When he smelled the incoming sweet smell, he knew. It wasn’t just his mind replying all the sweet moment he had spent with you. It was for real.

You didn’t change, your scent still as fresh as ever, sweet like sugar. He smiled to himself, you’re here.

“Jie!!”, Justin yelled when he saw you coming out of the door.

You were lost at first, turning around for any sign of your brother. When you suddenly felt the incoming impact and the familiar scent of Justin, you let out a loud laugh. “Hi turnip, I missed you”, you ruffled his hair.

He literally dragged you towards where the other stood, greeting each one especially Xinchun. “Short as ever”, he said causing you to hit him in the process.

Zhengting chuckled a little, the scent he emits grew stronger and stronger. “Hi”, he said. You smiled at him, then you ran towards him.

Zhengting laughed when he felt your incoming impact on him, he didn’t mind. His arms automatically wrapped itself around you, pulling your closer. You nuzzled your nose around him as he finds his way to your neck, taking a whiff.

The smell of home.

You missed him, you truly missed him. Those 2 years were enough to murder your patience and having him right here in front of you. It felt too good to be true. He’s here, your one and only.

Zhengting pulled away from you slightly, cupping your face in the process. “You never changed”, he said. “I would never”, you said back.

“Welcome back, love”, he said before slowly he leans down and locks his lips around you.

You smiled alongside on the shared contact, feeling the pure bliss running in your system. His hand slowly traces itself on your waist, pulling you closer. The other runs down your other arm, holding your small one in his.

You gasped a little when you felt the cold metal substance slid into one of your fingers. When you pulled out, the first thing you saw was him grinning like a true idiot. You stare at your hand, feeling the pure nostalgia running into you

“I told you”, he said still grinning.

The silver band wraps itself perfectly around your ring finger, the diamond shines under the summer heat. It shines, glistens like no other. He held your hand in his, pulling it towards his face as he lands a small peck on your knuckles.

He gave you a smile, his eyes shine with hope.

“I’m going to marry you one day, Y/N”

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