• Modern AU
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Narrator:

The afternoon sun streamed through the windows of Mu Qing's meticulously tidy apartment. Everything was in its place books aligned on the shelves..not a speck of dust on the table. Feng Xin, however..sat on the couch, looking distinctly out of place. He scrolled through his phone, occasionally glancing at Mu Qing who stood at the bathroom mirror holding a tube of lipstick.

"Mu Qing" Feng Xin called, frowning. "What are you doing in there? You've been standing there forever."

"I'm testing something" Mu Qing replied, his tone unbothered.

"Testing what?" Feng Xin asked, leaning forward to peer into the bathroom.

Mu Qing stepped out, holding up the lipstick like it was a sacred artifact. "This."

Feng Xin raised an eyebrow. "Lipstick? Since when do you wear that?"

Mu Qing rolled his eyes..walking past Feng Xin and sitting down at the vanity table. "It's not for wearing. I found it in one of my drawers and thought I'd see if it's still good. Besides, it's called curiosity. Ever heard of it?"

Feng Xin snorted, leaning back on the couch. "You're ridiculous. Why does it matter if it's good? You're not going to use it."

Mu Qing ignored him, carefully applying the lipstick. The vivid red shade contrasted perfectly with his pale complexion, accentuating his sharp features.

After a few moments of silence, Feng Xin glanced over and did a double take. "You actually put it on?"

Mu Qing turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "Why wouldn't I? It's not like it's going to kill me."

Feng Xin's face twitched. "You look... weird."

"Wow" Mu Qing said dryly, pursing his now...red lips. "Your talent for compliments is truly unmatched."

Feng Xin stood and walked over, crossing his arms as he studied Mu Qing's reflection in the mirror. "I mean, it's not bad but it's not you."

Mu Qing smirked, standing up to face him. "Not me? Are you saying I can't pull it off?"

"I'm saying you don't need stuff like that to look good" Feng Xin said without thinking.

The room went silent. Mu Qing stared at him, and Feng Xin quickly realized what he'd said.

"W-wait, I didn't mean it like that!" Feng Xin stammered, his ears turning red.

Mu Qing's lips curled into a mischievous smile. "Oh? So you think I look good, Feng Xin?"

Feng Xin groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Don't twist my words."

Before Feng Xin could protest further, Mu Qing stepped closer, holding the lipstick in one hand. "You know, I think it's your turn to try it."

"What?" Feng Xin took a step back, narrowing his eyes. "No way. Keep that thing away from me."

Mu Qing's smile turned devious. "Oh, come on. You were so curious about me wearing it. Let's see how it looks on you."

"I'm not wearing lipstick, Mu Qing" Feng Xin said firmly. "Fine" Mu Qing said with a dramatic sigh. "Then I'll just leave a little reminder for you."

Before Feng Xin could react, Mu Qing leaned in and planted a kiss on his cheek. Feng Xin froze, his eyes wide. "What the-"

"Relax" Mu Qing said, pulling back and admiring his handiwork. A perfect red lip mark now adorned Feng Xin's cheek. "See? You look fine."

Feng Xin wiped at his cheek furiously. "Mu Qing!"

Mu Qing only laughed, clearly enjoying himself. "You're overreacting."

"I'm not. I'll look weird..." Feng Xin muttered, but his glare softened when he saw Mu Qing's rare and genuine smile.

However, before Feng Xin could say more, Mu Qing kissed his other cheek, leaving another mark.

"Okay, that's it!" Feng Xin said angrily, grabbing Mu Qing's wrist. Mu Qing smirked, unfazed. "What are you going to do? Stop me?"

"Yes!" Feng Xin exclaimed but Mu Qing kissed him on the forehead this time, leaving yet another mark.

Feng Xin groaned, his face now a canvas of red lip prints. "You're insane." Mu Qing stepped back, admiring his work. "I think it's an improvement."

Feng Xin looked at him, exasperated but also strangely amused. "You're lucky I don't strangle you."

"Do that, I'll kick your nuts." Mu Qing shot back, roll his eyes.

Feng Xin sighed..wiping at his face with his sleeve but only managing to smear the lipstick further. "How do I even clean this?"

Mu Qing handed him a makeup remover wipe. "Here. Don't ruin my towels."

Feng Xin took the wipe, muttering under his breath. "Next time, I bring a bigger mirror so you can see how ridiculous you're being."

Mu Qing chuckled, leaning against the vanity. "Admit it. You had fun."

Feng Xin glanced at him, his lips twitching into a reluctant smile. "Maybe. But don't think you're getting away with this."

Mu Qing raised an eyebrow, his smirk returning. "Oh? What are you going to do about it?"

Without warning, Feng Xin grabbed the lipstick from the table.

"Wait, Feng Xin-" Mu Qing started but Feng Xin was already advancing, a wicked grin on his face, ready to payback.

"It's your turn now" Feng Xin said and for once, Mu Qing looked genuinely nervous.

Their laughter echoed through the apartment, a perfect blend of banter and something softer..a rare moment of connection between two people who pretended to drive each other crazy but secretly wouldn't have it any other way.