BOSF 046: Going Home

Morning broke, but the winter sunlight was faint, filtering through the gaps in the curtains and casting soft shadows on the bed where Ji Yan and Xiang Yang lay entwined. It was just past eight when Ji Yan’s phone buzzed, the vibration loud enough in the quiet dawn to rouse a sleeping person.

Ji Yan frowned, then snapped awake. Gently lifting the arm around his waist to avoid waking Xiang Yang, he slipped out of bed, retrieved his phone from his backpack, and moved to the farthest corner of the room before answering. “Hello, Mom…”

Lin Yueqin’s furious voice blared through the phone. “Ji Yan, where did you run off to? Why didn’t you answer my calls yesterday?”

Startled by her booming voice, Ji Yan quickly lowered the volume and glanced back at Xiang Yang, who was now awake, his sleepy eyes fixed on him.

If Ji Yan weren’t wearing just his underwear, he wouldn’t have taken the call indoors. They’d gone to bed early last night, without clothes, because at home, sleeping naked was never an option. Being alone together overnight was rare, and Ji Yan wanted to feel Xiang Yang’s skin against his. He’d even skipped underwear initially, but Xiang Yang kept pressing against him…

Distracted by the memory, Ji Yan missed Lin Yueqin’s next words until she shouted again, “Ji Yan? Ji Yan! Are you even listening?”

“I heard you,” Ji Yan replied softly. “I’m just visiting a college friend…”

He lied to Lin Yueqin, not mentioning Xiang Yang. Back when they were neighbors, hanging out was normal. But now, with distance between them, going out of his way to see Xiang Yang might raise suspicions. Were there really neighbors that close? Maybe, but Ji Yan didn’t want to risk it.

He still remembered the day Xiang Yang saw him off, how he’d cried uncontrollably in his arms. He hadn’t cared about onlookers then—not out of bravery, but because Xiang Yang was too important to him. To protect him, Ji Yan had to be cautious.

“You just got home and already ran off. What friend is that close?” Lin Yueqin grumbled, then paused, as if struck by a thought. “Be honest, have you got a girlfriend?”

Ji Yan sighed in relief. “No.”

“It’s fine if you do—Mom won’t object. But focus on your studies. Bring her home sometime. And don’t pick one of those wild girls, or someone who wears too much makeup. Find someone simple, obedient, who listens…”

“Mom—” Ji Yan cut her off, said a few more words, and hung up.

When he turned back, Xiang Yang was sitting up in bed, also in just underwear, staring at him intently.

It was early—they could’ve lingered in bed. But after the call, Ji Yan couldn’t muster any romantic thoughts. He knew Xiang Yang had overheard his conversation. Lying to his mom was one thing; facing Xiang Yang was another. Xiang Yang’s simplicity didn’t mean he was foolish, nor did it justify deceiving him, even for his own good. Ji Yan sat beside him, trying to explain. “Xiang Yang, I didn’t mean to hide it… but it’s better if others don’t know…”

The more he spoke, the more his words sounded like a flimsy excuse, like something a deceitful person would say. Ji Yan wasn’t good at lying—hiding things from his parents was hard enough, and explaining it to Xiang Yang in a way he’d understand felt even tougher. Xiang Yang was improving, adapting to society, which meant he’d soon encounter its complexities and darker sides.

Ji Yan didn’t want Xiang Yang exposed to that, didn’t want to taint his innocence. Yet, unknowingly, he’d become one of those manipulative adults, lying for his own sake and dragging Xiang Yang into it.

Frowning, Ji Yan wrestled with his guilt, unsure what to do.

Then Xiang Yang reached out, gently touching his face as if to comfort him. Ji Yan met his gaze, seeing only his own reflection in Xiang Yang’s steady, unwavering eyes—pure, without a trace of doubt or fear.

Time and again, Xiang Yang’s silent strength had uplifted and comforted Ji Yan, and this moment was no different. In their wordless exchange, Ji Yan sensed Xiang Yang’s fearlessness in growing and facing the world. Others saw him as simple, but Ji Yan saw his inner resilience and strength.

Xiang Yang leaned down, softly kissing Ji Yan’s lips.

Despite all they’d done, this tender kiss still made Ji Yan blush. He half-heartedly tried to pull away. “I… I haven’t brushed my teeth…”

Xiang Yang’s tongue lightly traced Ji Yan’s lips, silencing him. Ji Yan hadn’t noticed Xiang Yang watching him intently while he stood in his underwear, taking the call.

Ji Yan closed his eyes, lips parting slightly.

Xiang Yang’s hands slid over his bare shoulders and waist, slipping inside his underwear…

At breakfast, Shen Xiuqing noticed Ji Yan’s flushed face, clearly showing what they’d been up to. Students were so transparent—their emotions plain on their faces. Xiang Yang, however, was unreadable.

Shen Xiuqing was the second person to recognize Xiang Yang’s intelligence. She’d realized he’d known she mistook Ji Yan for a girl but never corrected her.

You sly kid.

Teasing Xiang Yang wasn’t fun—he was unflappable. She recalled taking him to the supermarket for supplies, where he’d stared at a lubricant display without a hint of embarrassment, while she nearly died of awkwardness. That’s how she accidentally learned about their… progress. Ji Yan had even taught him that >///<…

Since Xiang Yang was no fun to tease, Shen Xiuqing turned to Ji Yan. Handing over breakfast, she sat with them. “Sleep well last night?”

Ji Yan answered awkwardly, “…Very well.”

“Want to stay a few more days? You’re both going home for the New Year, right? I can drive you back.”

“No, I…” Ji Yan glanced at Xiang Yang. “I’m heading back today.”

Shen Xiuqing was surprised. “So soon? Isn’t it winter break?”

Ji Yan had come without telling his family, so he couldn’t stay long. Though hesitant, he said, “You know about me and Xiang Yang, right? I have a favor to ask…”

Shen Xiuqing understood immediately. “Don’t worry, I won’t say a thing.”

She’d initially mistaken Ji Yan for a girl, but the reality was the same—or worse, since society still largely rejected same-sex relationships. At their age, they couldn’t bear the consequences, which was why she’d encouraged Xiang Yang to live independently. She wouldn’t urge Ji Yan to come out to his family—that would be unfair. Their differing values put them at a disadvantage, vulnerable to being torn apart by societal norms. At their age, the best they could do was grow stronger to live the lives they wanted.

With sincerity, she said, “This path is tough, but I wish you both well. If you need help, I’m here. I see Xiang Yang as a little brother, Ji Yan, and I hope you’ll see me as a sister.”

Ji Yan was stunned. No one had ever spoken to him like this—never judged him or told him to give up. For the first time, he felt the world’s kindness and human warmth.

Xiang Yang, sitting silently beside him, took his hand under the table, their fingers interlocking.

Ji Yan accepted her kindness, aspiring to be as strong and independent as she was. “Thank you, Sister.”

Shen Xiuqing smiled, thinking, My brother-in-law’s adorable.

After breakfast, Ji Yan prepared to catch his bus home. He and Xiang Yang had parted many times, some brief, some long. Though each goodbye was hard, this one felt full of anticipation.

While waiting for the bus, with Shen Xiuqing nearby, they kept their affection subtle, exchanging glances.

Shen Xiuqing, aware of her third-wheel status, stepped away to give them space for private words.

As the bus approached, Ji Yan stole a quick kiss on Xiang Yang’s lips while Shen Xiuqing wasn’t looking. “Xiang Yang, I’ll wait for you to come back for the New Year.”

“Mhm.” Xiang Yang leaned in for more, but Ji Yan darted away.

On the bus, Ji Yan waved to them through the window until their figures faded into the distance. Smiling, he turned back.

Each separation was for a better reunion.