Shen Duoyi turned, seeing Qi Shi’an standing tall under the sycamore tree. Laughter surrounded them, everyone happily chatting. Shen Duoyi broke away from the crowd, walking towards him, a pale rose pinned to his lapel and a black bow tie at his neck.

His hair was neatly styled, his smooth forehead accentuating his refined features.

Qi Shi’an seemed to drink in the sight, unmoving even as Shen Duoyi reached him. Shen Duoyi raised his hand to check the time, remembered his missing watch, and sheepishly lowered it. “You’re early. Come inside.”

Qi Shi’an noticed and unbuckled his own watch, slipping it off his wrist. “Wear mine.”

Without waiting for a response, he clasped the watch onto Shen Duoyi’s wrist, securing the strap. The watch was still warm. Shen Duoyi whispered, “Thank you.”

The hall was spacious, filled with flowers in every corner. Kids were already running around the dining area, sneaking bites of the prepared food. As the boss, Qi Shi’an was greeted personally by Team Leader Qi and shown to his seat.

He grabbed a wedding candy. “Go greet your guests. Don’t worry about me.”

After a few polite exchanges, Team Leader Qi left. Shen Duoyi turned to leave, but Qi Shi’an poked his back. His right cheek bulged slightly from the candy. “I didn’t say you could go.”

Shen Duoyi bent down, whispering, “I’m the groomsman. Lots to do. Keep yourself busy with snacks.”

Qi Shi’an’s gaze followed Shen Duoyi, eventually drifting to the bridesmaids. He looked casual, but his eyes missed nothing.

Just before the ceremony, Zhang Yiming arrived, sitting next to Qi Shi’an and pulling out a speech. “My assistant wrote this. Haven’t read it yet. Can you polish it?”

Qi Shi’an drained his glass. “Don’t bother. It’s annoying.”

“Annoying? Feeling wistful watching others get married?” Zhang Yiming glanced around. “That bridesmaid is pretty — the one Team Leader Qi mentioned. But… why do I feel like…”

He paused. “Shen Duoyi is more appealing.”

Qi Shi’an’s temper flared, but before he could respond, the lights dimmed. Shen Duoyi and the bridesmaid walked down the aisle. The chatter faded, replaced by soft music. The bride and groom stood behind a flower arch, stepping forward solemnly.

Qi Shi’an leaned slightly, watching Shen Duoyi’s tense expression through the beams of light.

The bridesmaid’s dress trailed the floor, her arm linked with Shen Duoyi’s. Petals scattered along their path, ribbons floating in the air. They walked behind the bride and groom, standing on the steps like a perfectly matched couple.

For the first time, Qi Shi’an felt the ceremony stretch on forever.

He adjusted his tie, swallowing the ache rising in his throat. They exchanged secret glances amid others’ blessings, holding water glasses instead of each other’s hands.

When the bride and groom exchanged rings and kissed, cheers erupted. Confetti and balloons filled the air, turning the hall into a joyful party.

Shen Duoyi clapped on the sidelines, smiling absentmindedly. His pocket buzzed. He checked the message, glancing at the sender.

Qi Shi’an: “I’m envious.”

His heart ached inexplicably. He touched the watch on his wrist.

As the reception began, guests scattered to eat, drink, and celebrate. The bride and groom made rounds, toasting guests. Shen Duoyi, though not a drinker, took on the role of shielding the bridesmaid.

“I’ll cover for you. Just sip a little.”

After half the hall, Shen Duoyi’s cheeks were flushed. He glanced back, gauging how many tables were left before they reached Qi Shi’an. That’s when he saw one of the bridesmaids — the “sexy” one — sitting next to Qi Shi’an.

Qi Shi’an scribbled something on a coaster and handed it to her. After she left, he resumed chatting with Zhang Yiming.

“Duoyi, cover for me! I need a break!”

Snapping back, Shen Duoyi downed half a glass of wine. The mixed drinks made him dizzy. Finally, they reached the bosses’ table. Team Leader Qi handled the toast, giving Shen Duoyi a chance to retreat.

Qi Shi’an finished his drink. “Your face is red. Sit and rest.”

Shen Duoyi slumped into a chair, his head on the table. “That bridesmaid — you know her?”

“No.” Qi Shi’an handed him water. “Drink. Then eat something.”

Shen Duoyi didn’t move. “What were you talking about?”

“Nothing. She said I’m her type and asked for my number. I wrote it on a coaster.”

Shen Duoyi stared at him, speechless.

Qi Shi’an leaned in, fingers brushing Shen Duoyi’s bow tie. “I gave her Zhang Yiming’s number.”

The wedding ended around 3 PM. Tipsy and relaxed, Shen Duoyi stood at the door, smiling at nothing.

Team Leader Qi approached. “Wait here. I’ll find someone to drive you. Thanks for today. Come to the housewarming soon.”

Qi Shi’an emerged, naturally taking Shen Duoyi’s side. “I’ll give Team Leader Shen a lift. Drive safely, everyone.”

In the car, Shen Duoyi mumbled, “Baijiu’s too strong. Wine’s sour. Champagne’s nice.”

Qi Shi’an started the engine. “Then at our wedding, we’ll only have champagne.”

“What?” His voice was soft, almost inaudible. “Oh, the bride gave me cake. I’ll eat some.”

By the time they reached Shen Duoyi’s building, he’d finished several pieces. Full and sobered up, he dozed off.

Qi Shi’an lowered the seat. “Nap. I’ll drive slowly.”

At the building, he shook Shen Duoyi gently. “We’re here. Go sleep in your bed.”

Groggy, Shen Duoyi stumbled out, waving. “Drive safe.”

He walked a few steps, then turned. Qi Shi’an was still watching him.

Shen Duoyi hesitated, then walked back.

Qi Shi’an stepped forward. “What’s wrong?”

“I… want to hug you.”

Few people were around, just the sun’s blazing heat. Shen Duoyi closed the distance and wrapped his arms around Qi Shi’an, holding tight, fingers wrinkling his suit.

Qi Shi’an’s arms locked around Shen Duoyi’s shoulders, a silent storm raging within him.

Shen Duoyi remembered the message from the ceremony. “What were you envious of?”

Qi Shi’an whispered, “I envy them on stage, while we’re left here, apart.”