Saving the Heartthrob Frenemy

Qie Xieling did the walk of shame on his deck level without even getting laid. He had come back to his cabin at the time people were going to training so the passageway was crowded.

When he stepped out of the elevator their eyes flickered over him, taking in his dishevelled appearance, remnants of makeup still visible on his face.

The awkward silence was broken when one crewmate named Angel, couldn’t resist making a teasing remark. "Rough night, huh?" he jested, a mischievous glint in his eyes. The others snickered, joining in on the gentle ribbing.

Qie Xieling who had slept in a comfortable bed and got to hug his sweetheart the entire night had no reason to wallow in shame. He straightened his back and sported a sly grin, ready to face the playful banter head-on. "It was way more interesting than your night. At least I am getting some," he retorted, his words dripping with playful confidence. Of course, he was lying. The only ’some’ one he got tonight was being kicked out in the morning but he was still in a pleasant mood.

His response elicited a burst of laughter from the crew, lightening the atmosphere in the passageway.

Qie Xieling maintained his composure, walking towards his cabin with a hint of swagger in his steps. As he disappeared down the corridor, the crew resumed their conversation, dismissing the lingering curiosity that had been sparked.

However, one observant girl couldn’t shake off a nagging thought. "Isn’t that the captain’s t-shirt?" she mused aloud, her brow furrowing. "I swear I’ve seen him wear it before."

Her words hung in the air, momentarily freezing the crew’s chatter. People exchanged incredulous glances, unsure of how to respond. The notion that their fearless captain could be involved in a romantic relationship, let alone with a man, seemed far-fetched and contrary to their preconceived notions.

Yet, her remark was quickly brushed off as an overactive imagination. The crew resumed their conversation, dismissing her comment as a product of fatigue or an unfounded rumour. After all, it was inconceivable to entertain the idea that their esteemed captain had a secret romantic life, especially when he preached the no fraternising rule around the warship.

Qie Xieling quickly washed his face and changed clothes into his training gear before rushing to the training room. Because he was late he had to train for an extra thirty minutes. He wailed internally wishing Luo Muchen could fall in love with him now and reduce his suffering.

While Qie Xieling was crying in training, Luo Muchen was staring at the neatly folded clothes, wig and shoes he had piled up. He wanted to hand them to Bo Ailun to give to Qie Xieling but after his initial anger cooled he was suddenly reluctant.

He left his upper deck for the commanding bridge. They were already nearing Rion and would be there in a matter of hours. He sat in the captain’s chair and Bo Ailun gave him a full report of what he found about these special weapons made using Svartalfheim techniques.

"Put in a special request for a blade," he said and Bo Ailun nodded his head. He had already found connections that would allow him to get in contact with that master craftsman.

"Yes, captain," he replied before turning back to the display to establish communication.

"Did Qie Xieling say anything to you?" suddenly asked Luo Muchen. His mouth moved so fast that he regretted it right after the words left his mouth.

Bo Ailun, "..."

"I... uh... should I call him?" he asked wondering if the captain had woken up on the wrong side of the bed today. He indeed had woken up on the wrong side because Qie Xieling had wormed his way into his bed while he was sleeping.

"Never mind," said Luo Muchen. He thought that Qie Xieling would come to find him when he realised the box was missing. When he came back to his deck he placed it on the coffee table but when he woke everything spiralled out of control and Qie Xieling left the box there.

"Call him and tell him to come pick up what he left behind," he suddenly said and Bo Ailun’s eyes widened. Was this the very same man who hated Qie Xieling so much that he barred him from coming anywhere near him? When did they start getting along? It made no sense.

Luo Muchen saw that Bo Ailun had a stupid look on his face while staring at him so he said, "Now."

"Okay, okay... I will call him now," he said as he turned to leave but Luo Muchen stopped him.

"Where are you going? Call him here." Bo Ailun couldn’t help but stare at the captain wondering what the hell was wrong with him today. He had too many demands. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Bo Ailun called Qie Xieling but because he was in a hurry he didn’t realise he called him via video call. Next thing he knew there was a holographic display of a shirtless Qie Xieling in the bridge. Bo Ailun also hadn’t realised that his communicator was still connected to one of the stations from when he gave Luo Muchen the report on what he found so everyone saw him.

Qie Xieling had just stepped out of the shower and was feeling refreshed and energised with his hair sticking to his forehead. He was in a very pleasant mood because he got to cuddle up with Luo Muchen last night. With a smile tugging at the corner of his lips he answered,

"Hey BoBo, what’s up?... Miss me already." He was too busy checking himself out in the mirror to notice that something was up.

Bo Ailun’s eyes widened when he caught sight of his bare chest on the holographic screen. "Shit," he mumbled while trying to disconnect it but because he was in a panic he kept pressing the wrong things.

"How about we have lunch together in the cafeteria?" Qie Xieling continued, not noticing the stifled giggles coming from the call.

Luo Muchen glared at Bo Ailun and the man shook his head vigorously. Even if he were to jump into the Yellow River he wouldn’t be able to wash himself clean. "I... captain. He is talking nonsense," he whispered and the captain looked away his breathing heavy as he clenched his fist. The entire bridge was all staring at the hologram of Qie Xieling’s masculine chest and abs on the screen and he remained unaware of it.