My straight roommate is so good

On an ordinary weekend, Ling Jianshu, in front of Cheng Yuan and Liu Junming, held Qiao Song’s hand.

Qiao Song’s heart tightened, wanting to break free, but Ling Jianshu held on tightly, refusing to let go.

Liu Junming was stunned, staring wide-eyed at the two of them, stuttering, “Qiao Qiao… you two… what are you two doing?”

On the other hand, Cheng Yuan had a knowing expression, saying, “I knew it! The CP I ship is definitely real!”

Liu Junming looked at Ling Jianshu and Qiao Song, then at Cheng Yuan, and exclaimed in disbelief, “So you knew all along, and I’m the only one in the dorm who was kept in the dark?!”

Cheng Yuan patted his shoulder and said seriously, “It’s not your fault; I’m just too perceptive.”

Although Liu Junming found it sudden, seeing his two roommates in love, he sincerely wished them well.

Getting the support of his roommates wasn’t too hard, but Qiao Song was genuinely worried about whether Ling Jianshu’s family would accept them.

However, this worry lasted for less than half a month.

On the second weekend after they got together, Ling Jianshu called home.

The call was quickly answered.

Ling Jianshu got straight to the point: “Hey, Mom, there’s something important I want to tell you. I’ve fallen in love with a boy, and we’re together…”

Upon hearing his words, Qiao Song’s eyes widened in shock. He rushed forward, snatched his phone, and hung up, trembling.

“Ling Jianshu!! Are you crazy?!!!” This was the first time Ling Jianshu had seen the usually gentle and quiet Qiao Song shout so loudly at someone.

He was genuinely scared. He wasn’t mentally prepared and feared Ling Jianshu’s parents would know about their relationship and dislike him.

But words once spoken were like water poured out; there was no taking them back…

As Qiao Song worried about what to do, Ling Jianshu’s phone rang again.

The caller ID showed Ling Jianshu’s mother.

Qiao Song’s body tensed, while Ling Jianshu pulled him into an embrace, gently patting his shoulder to comfort him.

When the call connected, Qin Shuhan said softly, “Jianhu, I know you’re not the type to joke around. Just now, when you said that, can you give your dad and me some time to digest it? This Friday, can you bring your… boyfriend home?”

Ling Jianshu and Qiao Song exchanged glances and smiled as they replied, “Of course, I’ll bring him home on Friday.”

On Friday, when Ling Jianshu and Qiao Song arrived at the Ling family home, before anyone could say anything, Qiao Song knelt before his parents first.

“Uncle, Auntie, I’m sorry, it’s all my fault…” Without him, Ling Jianshu might have remained a homophobe, never having the chance to connect with the gay community.

“What nonsense are you saying!” Ling Jianshu frowned and knelt down beside him, saying, “Mom, don’t listen to him; Qiao Qiao doesn’t know anything. It was all my idea.”

“Hey… what are you two doing?” Qin Shuhan sighed helplessly and hurried to help them up.

“Your mother and I are not old-fashioned. We’ve looked into things online over the past few days and found that… situations like yours are quite common now. Not to say we fully support it, but we can at least accept it.” 

“I understand. Just being able to talk calmly with you both means the world to me.” Qiao Song spoke, nervously fiddling with his fingers.

Seeing this, Ling Jianshu immediately reached out to hold one of his hands, interlocking their fingers.

Thinking that Ling Jianshu’s parents were watching, Qiao Song wanted to pull his hand back in panic, but Ling Jianshu held on tightly.

“Actually, when I heard you say that, I thought how nice it would be if that boy was Qiao Qiao. At least… I can feel at ease.” Qin Shuhan looked at Qiao Song and smiled slightly. “Qiao Qiao is a good kid. Even if your relationship falters, just be sure to part ways amicably.”

“Mom, we just started dating; why are you cursing us with breakups already?” Ling Jianshu exclaimed.

Qin Shuhan smiled helplessly. “About Qiao Qiao’s parents…”

“My parents don’t know yet, but… even if they find out, it won’t matter,” Qiao Song shook his head, saying indifferently. “If they know, they’d probably just cut ties with me. I’m fine with that.”

“How can that be okay?” Qin Shuhan shook her head in disagreement. “How about this, Qiao Qiao? You and Jianshu can take your time. If things stabilize and lead to marriage in a few years, your dad and I will help you communicate with your parents.”

Qiao Song was incredulous, staring at her. “Auntie… thank you.”

“I’m still trying to process everything, but rather than having a huge fight with Jianshu, I want him to be happy. He’s never shown this inclination before…” Qin Shuhan sighed. “Now, I’m more certain he really likes you. No matter what, the Ling family will always support you.”

It was astonishing how smoothly Qiao Song came out to Ling’s family. Walking out of the Ling family home, he was still dazed.

Ling Jianshu wrapped his arm around him. “Do you know why my parents were so calm?”

“Why?” Qiao Song tilted his head curiously.

“Because they want to see if we break up, so…” Ling Jianshu tightened his grip around Qiao Song’s shoulders. “We can’t let them have their way. We need to stay together, get married, and grow old together, alright?”

“…What? Get married!” Qiao Song caught onto the important part, his face turning beet red.

Ling Jianshu deliberately twisted his words, replying, “You can have any kind of wedding you want, Chinese-style, Western-style, destination wedding—it’s all up to you.”

Qiao Song, flustered, exclaimed, “That’s not what I meant—”

But before he could finish, Ling Jianshu interrupted him.

He said stubbornly, “I don’t care; that’s what I mean.”

This rogue!

Qiao Song found it hard to argue with him. Deep down, he felt a sweetness that made him want to stop countering, his face quietly turning even redder.

—

On Sunday afternoon, the two bid farewell to Ling Jianshu’s parents and returned to Lan City together.

On the way back to school, Ling Jianshu suddenly asked Qiao Song, “By the way, Qiao Qiao, can you play that ‘E minor Piano Concerto’ for me?”

Hearing Ling Jianshu say this, he couldn’t help but laugh, “What, are you jealous?”

“You dare laugh at me?” Ling Jianshu raised an eyebrow playfully. “I’m going to punish you.”

“Punish me for what?” Qiao Song felt alert upon hearing Ling Jianshu’s words.

Ling Jianshu pretended to be serious and beckoned for him to come closer. “I’m going to punish you to play every piece Chopin ever wrote for me…”

Before Qiao Song could respond, he leaned in and kissed him.

Outside the car window, the city’s street scenes rushed past, the shadows of the trees slicing the moonlight into romantic shapes.

Qiao Song slightly tilted his head back, welcoming his boyfriend’s kiss gently.

He felt love and acceptance once again after a long time, and it was a rare realization that, having broken free from the shackles of his birth family, there was another person in this world willing to give him a warm home.