Agreed to Just Once - chapter 23: Just once

Chapter 23: Just Once

It was some time later that Jiang Yinian discovered He Wenshuo’s classmates were calling him a scumbag.

That afternoon, neither of them had classes and were bored, so they were watching a drama using the projector in He Wenshuo’s living room.

He Wenshuo leaned against the armrest of the sofa, holding Jiang Yinian snugly in his arms.

Jiang Yinian didn’t mind having a human pillow beside him, but the constant vibration of said human pillow’s phone from incoming messages was disrupting his viewing experience.

He turned to glance at He Wenshuo’s phone screen.

It was a group chat flashing with messages—discussions about a group assignment.

Jiang Yinian watched for a while, uninterested in the assignment itself but puzzled by something else: Why are they calling you a scumbag in the group?

They’re just joking, don’t mind them, He Wenshuo brushed it off briefly.

Jiang Yinian pressed further, Hmm?

He Wenshuo had no choice but to briefly explain what happened at the start of the semester. …Some classmates happened to see the photos from our last concert outing—the one where we were caught on camera standing really close. They thought I was involved with a guy while still having a girlfriend, which led to my breakup. They said I deserved it.

At the concert?

Jiang Yinian had almost forgotten about that. And then? he asked.

He Wenshuo looked innocent. What ‘and then’?

Jiang Yinian lifted his gaze. Didn’t you clarify things with them afterward?

No, He Wenshuo pulled Jiang Yinian closer, adjusting him into a more comfortable position. Even if I explained, they might not believe me. Let it be, whatever they want to think.

There were advantages to not explaining—for instance, since his reputation in class had taken a hit, no one bothered him anymore.

He didn’t have to worry about anyone else’s opinions; his daily concerns were simply how to handle school and how to focus on his relationship.

Just as He Wenshuo finished speaking, another new message popped up on his phone screen.

Tao Hao: [Hey, Scumbag He, don’t forget your part of the assignment—it’s important.]

Jiang Yinian found the two words particularly jarring and uncomfortable.

How could he not clarify?

He couldn’t just let them misunderstand and call He Wenshuo a scumbag every day.

After a moment’s thought, Jiang Yinian poked He Wenshuo with his finger. You should still explain. I remember you said you owed them a meal—pick a time and invite them all out to eat.

He Wenshuo buried his face in Jiang Yinian’s neck, reluctant. Since the semester started, time for just the two of them had become scarce, and now he had to set aside more time to treat everyone.

But since Jiang Yinian had brought it up, this longpending matter had to be scheduled.

I haven’t decided what to treat them to yet.

You have quite a few classmates, Jiang Yinian suggested a restaurant he’d been to for a former classmate’s birthday. The food there is decent, the private room is spacious, and you can sing after eating. It’s convenient and hasslefree.

Okay, whatever you say. He Wenshuo had no objections; he wouldn’t have minded even if it were a street stall. I’ll tell them at school tomorrow.

Whatever he says? Jiang Yinian continued, This time, use my card to pay.

Huh?

He Wenshuo, who had just agreed to everything, lifted his head. No need. I said I’d treat them—how can I use your card?

Jiang Yinian grabbed a potato chip from the coffee table, popped one into his mouth, and narrowed his eyes. Do you have to draw such a clear line between us?

He Wenshuo scratched his head. No.

Jiang Yinian stretched out his hand. Give me back my bank card.

They had known each other since childhood and had eaten out or shopped together countless times. Splitting the bill every single time was not only troublesome but also unnecessary given their close relationship.

Eventually, Jiang Yinian simply handed his card to He Wenshuo with a rule: when they went out together, they would take turns swiping their cards for shared expenses.

He Wenshuo initially objected, saying it was fine to use his card instead. But Jiang Yinian insisted that if they didn’t take turns, he wouldn’t go out with him anymore.

Reluctantly, He Wenshuo gave in and took on the responsibility of managing the cards, taking turns to pay, and that settled the matter.

Bank card?

He Wenshuo was comfortably cuddling with his boyfriend and didn’t feel like moving, but seeing Jiang Yinian’s outstretched hand, he reluctantly got up from the sofa, went into the room, and retrieved the cards.

But it wasn’t just one card—it was two.

Here, my card too. You can keep both.

Jiang Yinian took both cards and recognized the other one as He Wenshuo’s Secret Stash card. You’re giving me your Secret Stash?

Yeah, it’s yours.

He Wenshuo sat back down on the sofa, wrapped his arms around Jiang Yinian, and pulled him close again. You can have my Secret Stash, as long as you promise to take me with you wherever you go from now on.

Fine.

Jiang Yinian nodded in agreement and tucked both cards into his pocket for the time being.

He Wenshuo’s eyes lit up. You accepted my card—that means you agreed.

Jiang Yinian couldn’t help but laugh. I already said ‘fine,’ of course I agreed. What are you doublechecking for?

He Wenshuo was overjoyed and wrapped himself even tighter around Jiang Yinian. Don’t leave today. Stay over at my place.

Unlike during summer break, he could no longer share a bed with Jiang Yinian every single day. Now, he had to seize opportunities whenever they arose.

Jiang Yinian didn’t believe for a second that He Wenshuo was actually asking for his opinion.

I’m heading back later.

You’re not going anywhere! I already locked the front door. You have to sleep with me tonight.

He should’ve known.

After class.

Did I hear that right? You’re treating us to a meal?

Guo Jian leaned both hands on He Wenshuo’s desk, looking as shocked as if he’d been told there would be no classes on Monday.

Has our pennypincher finally decided to spare some feathers to maintain his dear friends?

You’re not trying to ask us for some sketchy favor, are you? We don’t do anything illegal or dangerous, you know!

Exactly. We’re all lawabiding, model college students.

The others understood Guo Jian’s shock and came up with similarly reasonable guesses.

I promised I’d treat you all last time. He Wenshuo couldn’t be bothered to explain further. It was a rare weekend, and he’d been hoping for a quiet date—but now it had turned into a group outing. How disappointing. I’ll send the restaurant address in the group chat.

Whoa, whoa—this place? I heard it’s crazy expensive!

Seriously? He Wenshuo, did you secretly win the lottery and not tell us?

There are so many of us—this is going to cost you a fortune!

Though we’d all love to try an upscale restaurant, honestly we wouldn’t mind if you just treated us to that little diner by the school gate.

Amidst the backandforth discussion, He Wenshuo cut in with one question: Are we going or not? Give me a straight answer.

If not, he’d cancel immediately and it wouldn’t affect planning where to go for their weekend date.

We’re going!

Everyone agreed in unison.

The pennypincher was finally willing to spend some money not only were they going, but they shared an unspoken understanding: they’d eat him out of house and home!

The weekend meal was thus settled.

Jiang Yinian went through his closet a day early, pondering what to wear.

For this dinner, first and foremost, he needed to clarify that He Wenshuo wasn’t a scumbag.

Secondly, without even thinking about it, he knew once they arrived, He Wenshuo would definitely announce they were dating.

Truth be told.

There wasn’t really anything special to worry about he could just dress as usual.

Jiang Yinian’s gaze swept over the row of clothes hanging in his closet when somehow he suddenly noticed the bag he’d stuffed into the corner not long ago.

He’d shoved it there last time when he decided to stop pretending to be He Wenshuo’s girlfriend. The bag contained all the women’s clothes He Wenshuo had bought him before.

Jiang Yinian stood before the closet contemplating for a while.

To clarify things thoroughly and convince them completely, there seemed to be one simplest and most effective method.

If they recreated the original scenario, they’d definitely believe.

Thinking this, Jiang Yinian pulled out the bag from the closet corner again.

First time awkward, second time familiar… since he’d already worn them several times, one more occasion wouldn’t matter.

Friday afternoon.

After the last class ended, He Wenshuo told Guo Jian and the others they’d meet at the restaurant later, then left school first to pick up Jiang Yinian from home.

He entered using the passcode the living room was quiet with no one in sight.

He Wenshuo turned toward the bedroom, pushing the door open only to freeze at the scene inside.

Jiang Yinian was holding a mirror examining his face. It seemed passable, though he’d only put on the wig and applied lipstick.

Hearing the door open behind him, he shifted his feet, swiveling the chair to face He Wenshuo. Tipping his chin up, he asked: Well? Does it look like how I did when I first went to your school with you?

He’d specifically dug out the exact outfit he wore that first time the denimstyle top with white skirt set from the bag to be more convincing.

He Wenshuo stared straight at him without blinking: Why are you…?

Does it look bad?

Jiang Yinian stood up to check the fulllength mirror: Should be fine, right? I think showing up like this will definitely make them believe. We won’t even need much explanation how convenient.

He Wenshuo barely registered what Jiang Yinian was saying, his attention completely captured by Jiang Yinian’s parting lips.

Jiang Yinian had applied lipstick himself today that dewy, most appealing shade that made people most want to kiss him.

He’d missed his chance last time he definitely couldn’t let this opportunity slip away again.

He Wenshuo’s eyes lit up, taking an imposing step forward, itching to make his move.

Jiang Yinian looked up and immediately read He Wenshuo’s unmistakable intention in his undisguised gaze. He quickly stepped back, pointing at the alarm clock on the desk.

It’s about time we should head out.

Don’t worry, let them wait a while longer.

He Wenshuo finally got to taste the lipstick as he wished, but after this belated kiss ended, he glanced down at Jiang Yinian’s crimson lips and began to regret it.

He shouldn’t have—shouldn’t have brought such a stunning Jiang Yinian out for others to see.

The brief interlude in the room didn’t delay them for long.

Jiang Yinian and He Wenshuo were the second to arrive at the private dining room, with Guo Jian being the first.

Guo Jian had been held up by an unexpected matter, missing the main group of classmates, but as luck would have it, he inadvertently avoided the traffic jam and ended up being the first to reach the restaurant’s private room.

He sat there bored out of his mind, and when he finally heard movement at the door, it swung open to reveal two people standing there together. He was instantly bewildered.

He definitely recognized He Wenshuo.

But the person beside him? Wasn’t that He Wenshuo’s exgirlfriend?

Hadn’t they broken up?

Why bring her along today?

They’d made up again?! How was that even possible?!

A whirlwind of thoughts raced through Guo Jian’s mind as he desperately tried to catch He Wenshuo’s eye, hoping to figure out what kind of bizarre dinner arrangement this was.

However, He Wenshuo at the doorway completely ignored his meaningful glances.

Guo Jian then shifted his gaze to the other person.

Jiang Yinian, with naturally curly hair and dressed in a fresh, feminine outfit, chose the seat opposite Guo Jian at the round table and greeted him casually, Hello.

Dressed in a pretty little dress, but the voice that came out was a clear, male tone.

Huh?Guo Jian froze instantly, doubtfully touched his ears, and suddenly stood up from his chair, staring at Jiang Yinian in disbelief.

Just now… were you speaking?

Correct. Jiang Yinian nodded with a slight smile. Can’t you recognize my voice? We met last time at the cinema.

Guo Jian was reminded and had a sudden realization, gasping sharply as he pointed, You, you, you… you’re a guy, his buddy!

Jiang Yinian: Yes.

Guo Jian:
He looked at Jiang Yinian, then at He Wenshuo, clutched his chest, and sat back down. You two have wounded me. You owe me compensation for emotional distress.

He Wenshuo rejected the request without a second thought: No way.

With the situation clarified, Guo Jian understood.

You’re something else, really creative—getting your buddy to pretend to be your girlfriend.

He accepted the truth relatively quickly, then couldn’t resist standing up and moving closer to examine Jiang Yinian carefully, exclaiming in admiration, I mean, buddy, how did you get a face like that? You’re really handsome as a guy, but with a wig on, it’s completely different. Wow, you really do look good. I thought you were attractive the first time I saw you, and I had a feeling you were tricked into this by He Wenshuo.

He Wenshuo frowned: ?

What nonsense was he spouting for no reason?

He immediately stepped in front of Jiang Yinian, shooing the annoying Guo Jian away. Get back to your seat. You already know the deal, so why keep staring? What are you doing, are you trying to reach out?!

Jiang Yinian:
Guo Jian was genuinely curious: I just wanted to see how this wig looks so natural.

Of course, naturally—he had specifically picked out the good ones back then. He Wenshuo scowled and shooed him away, Get lost, go on, get away from here. No looking, and don’t you dare touch the hair either. This is mine.

Guo Jian sat back down dejectedly, So stingy. What’s the harm in looking?

Before He Wenshuo could properly argue with him, the private room door behind them swung open again. The main group, delayed by traffic, had finally arrived.

The traffic on the road was really… Tao Hao led the way, but as soon as he opened the door, he caught sight of the pretty girl sitting inside the room and swallowed the rest of his sentence.

Curious, he shifted his gaze to He Wenshuo, his eyes darting back and forth between them.

Not only was there food today, but it seemed there was also some gossip to enjoy!

Wasn’t this He Wenshuo’s exgirlfriend? Why was she here during their gathering?

For a moment, silence fell on both sides of the private room door, inside and out.

Jiang Yinian was just about to greet the newly arrived classmates when Guo Jian suddenly sprang up excitedly, whipped out his phone, and rushed to the front. Wait, hold on! Everyone, don’t say anything yet. Let me start recording this scene—it’d be such a shame not to capture this!

Tao Hao looked puzzled, What’s so regrettable about not recording it?

Jiang Yinian:
He Wenshuo shot Guo Jian a look of disgust.

Ignoring He Wenshuo, Guo Jian adjusted his phone and gestured toward Jiang Yinian with a please motion. Alright, you can start now.

Jiang Yinian:
Fine, then he’d begin. No matter what, he was going to help He Wenshuo clear his name as a scumbag today.

Jiang Yinian addressed the crowd at the door, Hello, long time no see.

Wow!

Huh?

What the… hell?

The pretty girl’s sudden, clear male voice left the classmates at the door stunned. After a few seconds of silence, the room erupted into chaos—some exclaiming wow, others muttering what the hell, each unable to resist crowding in for a closer look.

Again? Seeing this, He Wenshuo immediately stepped in front of Jiang Yinian, herding everyone to their seats while briefly explaining the whole story of how he had asked Jiang Yinian to pretend to be his girlfriend in the first place.

Finally, the truth came out. Everyone present now understood: so He Wenshuo’s girlfriend was fake—it was his good friend in disguise.

No wonder you never let us talk to your girlfriend.

And you were so secretive about it—not even a single post on social media.

Exactly, exactly.

So you invited us to dinner today just to prove you’re not a twotiming scumbag?

That’s only part of it.

He Wenshuo didn’t really care what people called him at school—it didn’t affect him much. Lately, he’d been busy with romance and had no time for anything else.

At a time like this, it was only right to do what needed to be done.

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, He Wenshuo wrapped an arm around Jiang Yinian’s shoulder and proudly declared, I wanted to tell you all—he’s my boyfriend. We’re dating.

So they’d been invited to dinner today just to witness a public display of affection.

After a chorus of boos, everyone simultaneously voiced the same complaints and accusations.

How despicable, that’s just inhuman.

So you called us here just to show off your relationship?

And you deceived us, friends who could’ve lived and died together? You think one meal is enough to settle this?

He Wenshuo: What else do you want then?

One meal isn’t enough, make it two!

Well said, I agree.

Plus one.

He Wenshuo directly rejected their proposal: Keep dreaming.

Jiang Yinian turned to look at He Wenshuo.

He Wenshuo immediately responded with an intense gaze, the meaning clear.

No more treating meals we don’t even have enough time for dating ourselves, how could we spare time to keep taking these third wheels out to eat?

Jiang Yinian:
The private room was filled entirely with boys, the atmosphere very lively. After eating, the group stayed in the room singing, and by the time everything wrapped up, it was quite late.

The whole table finally dispersed, some heading home, others returning to school.

Back in the residential complex, Jiang Yinian spotted the living room lights on in his apartment unit from afar and stopped walking.

He Wenshuo noticed immediately, turning to ask: What’s wrong?

Jiang Yinian slightly raised his head, gesturing upward: Grandma’s home, probably still awake.

Although he was prepared to wear women’s clothes to help clear He Wenshuo’s name of being a player, he wasn’t ready to do so in front of family members.

If Grandma ended up thinking this was some special preference of his and started collecting wigs and dresses for him, that would be trouble.

After all, he’d always lived the kind of life at home where he could be spoiled at any moment.

Understanding Jiang Yinian’s concern, He Wenshuo decisively pulled him toward his own place: Perfect, you’re sleeping at my place tonight.

Jiang Yinian: …… Fine then.

Previously, his visits to He Wenshuo’s home could be counted on one hand, but since they’d confirmed their relationship, the number had become too many to count.

Once in a comfortable environment, the slight discomfort from earlier became amplified.

After entering, Jiang Yinian changed into slippers and sniffed the air.

Having been in the private room for so long, he could smell how the long wig seemed to have absorbed various scents.

I need to shower.

He Wenshuo turned at the sound, particularly expectant: Need help?

Jiang Yinian tossed his phone to He Wenshuo: You’d better go find me some clothes instead.

He Wenshuo caught it steadily, somewhat disappointed: Alright.

After showering, he indeed felt much fresher. Jiang Yinian emerged from the bathroom wearing the pajamas He Wenshuo had found for him, then it was He Wenshuo’s turn to shower.

When He Wenshuo finished and came out, he found Jiang Yinian in his room, sitting on his bed flipping through an old photo album.

Jiang Yinian had already gone through most of it. Seeing He Wenshuo return, he tilted his head: Why is your photo album full of me?

This was his first time seeing this album, and he discovered it even contained photos of him from childhood.

Because you photograph well. He Wenshuo stood by the bed looking at Jiang Yinian.

Jiang Yinian was wearing his pajamas, one size too large, with fair collarbones visible below the neckline and slender legs beneath the loose sleep pants, currently crossed.

Hmm?

Jiang Yinian set down the album, propped his chin, met He Wenshuo’s gaze, and began interrogating: Do you think I look better in women’s clothes or in my usual clothes?

He Wenshuo answered without hesitation: You look good in anything.

This was the truth.

Jiang Yinian had always looked good in anything, ever since they were young.

Jiang Yinian pondered briefly: I think you’re just brushing me off.

Where was I being perfunctory? He Wenshuo felt deeply wronged, offering a more sincere answer instead: You’d look even better without it.

Now they couldn’t even hold a decent conversation anymore!

Jiang Yinian’s ears grew warm with embarrassment, and she lifted her foot to kick He Wenshuo.

But when she tried to pull her foot back after kicking him, it was caught.

He Wenshuo gently squeezed her slender ankle that fit perfectly in his hand, his mind wavering between restraint and desire. While maintaining his grip, his tone became unbelievably tender: Niannian, I have an idea. Would you listen to me…

Jiang Yinian immediately raised her hand to stop him: Don’t say it. I won’t listen.

He Wenshuo immediately looked at her with pitiful, pleading eyes:

Jiang Yinian hadn’t expected things to reach this point.

It had been manageable at first.

But then He Wenshuo started biting her ear from behind while persistently calling her name.

Niannian, Niannian, Niannian…

Later, things spiraled out of control.

Jiang Yinian felt almost overwhelmed by the torrent of affection.

Her parents weren’t home, and she had few friends.

What was there to fear?

Nothing to fear at all.

Because standing beside her was someone she could always trust.

The night was long, and the warmth in the room showed no signs of fading.

He Wenshuo kissed away the sweat droplets from Jiang Yinian’s cheek, holding her tightly in his arms as if wanting to merge her into his very being.

Let’s try one more time, just once.

Get lost.

Author’s Note: This short, sweet story ends here. I’m so happy some of you loved them as much as I do~

For my next project, I’ll be starting Starting From Marriage in my column. Interested readers, please help by adding it to your collections! [Orange Heart]