Rui Chen leaned against a wall in the far corridor of the university, his jaw clenched and arms folded. He watched from a distance as Li Ming and Wang Yang walked past a group of students, hand in hand, laughing without a care in the world.
The sight twisted something in his chest.
It should've been me.
He'd liked Li Ming for years—quietly, from the background. He'd seen him cry during stressful exam weeks, laugh at silly jokes during lunch, and even sleep in the library during finals. He had memorized Li Ming's every expression—but Li Ming had never once looked his way like that.
And now, this… playboy had taken everything.
Later that day, Rui found his opportunity.
---
After Class
Li Ming was walking alone, phone in hand, when Rui caught up to him near the vending machines.
"Hey," Rui said casually, stepping into his path.
Li Ming looked up, surprised. "Rui? What's up?"
Rui gave a small shrug. "Can we talk? Privately."
Li Ming hesitated for a second before nodding. They walked to a quieter corner of the hallway.
Rui didn't waste time. "I liked you. For a long time."
Li Ming blinked. "…What?"
"I've always liked you," Rui repeated, looking him dead in the eyes. "I just… didn't know how to say it before. But now that everyone knows about you and Wang Yang, I can't stay silent anymore."
Li Ming took a step back, a bit caught off guard. "Rui… I appreciate your honesty, but—"
"You're only with him because he's rich, right?" Rui said before he could stop himself. "He buys you things. Everyone says it."
The expression on Li Ming's face turned cold instantly.
"You think you know me?" he said, voice low. "You think I care about money?"
Rui swallowed hard, realizing he had crossed a line. "I didn't mean—"
"I'm the son of a billionaire, Rui," Li Ming cut him off sharply. "I don't need Wang Yang's money. I need his heart."
Rui stood frozen as Li Ming brushed past him.
---
That Evening – Wang Yang's Apartment
Li Ming entered the apartment, kicked his shoes off, and tossed his bag on the couch.
Wang Yang looked up from his desk. "You okay?"
"Rui confessed to me," Li Ming said bluntly.
Wang Yang stood up immediately, brows furrowed. "He what?"
Li Ming walked over, placing his arms around Wang Yang's waist and resting his head on his chest. "Relax. I shut him down."
"Good," Wang Yang muttered, holding him tightly. "Because I'm not sharing you."
"You're dramatic," Li Ming said with a smirk.
Wang Yang leaned down and kissed him gently. "Only for you."
---
Later That Night
Rui sat alone in his dorm room, his fingers trembling as he scrolled through old photos—group shots where Li Ming barely noticed he existed.
His expression hardened.
"If Wang Yang can steal you," he whispered to himself, "then maybe I can steal you back."
He wasn't done yet.
Not even close.