Combo Meal

Bang!

The door was shut hard and Fen Yichen left the parking lot, kicking random peebles on the way. He felt angry, like he was fooled.

"A burger and a drink? I'm only worth that much…" He laughed. 

Fen Yichen's bad habit is laughing when angry. He used it to mask his emotions and it became his habit. Honestly, it was annoying how he thought it was from Xie Mingze, he should have known better. 

How could someone who had been crushing on his senior suddenly have a change of heart. 

His worth to him was so low he could be exchanged for a combo meal. 

A fucking combo meal…

He wanted to vent his anger, but he doesn't know how. 

"Oh Yichen, you're still here." a professor from his music major approached him.

"Good afternoon Mr. Yan"

Mr. Yan was an old professor in the university, he had been working for more than 40 years and had a variety of connections in the industry. He was one of the reason why a lot of students who want to major in music wanted to study in their university.

"If you can't help it, then atleast join the music crew as a substitute pianist. I know you're just doing it as a hobby, but there is a minimum requirement of attendance. Don't worry I sent Mingze as the main lead there so you would know someone." Mr. Yan said as he placed a candy on Yichen's hand before continuing his walk.

That's right, he could just make him change his mind about him. He won't settle having the same status as a combo meal. 

***

Xie Mingze grumbled under his breath as Yichen was introduced as the substitute pianist/understudy, so whenever the main pianist is not there or just for practice purposes he would play the piece for them.

"Mingze I heard you're the lead here." The atmosphere turned cold all of the sudden. Yichen was just stating something, but since it's not the truth everyone felt it was disrespectful for the real main lead.

"I'm just a supporting role here, don't make things up and stop getting me in trouble." Yichen had a thoughtful expression on his face while being told off by Mingze, it was completely different from what professor Yan told him. 

Someone must've pulled some strings to snatch the lead role from Mingze and the person who got stolen from was completely unaware of it. 

Fen Yichen shut his mouth and walked towards Oliver, he was the new main lead this time picked by the head of this musical. He is obviously half with hsi name being Chen Oliver. Hanya approached Mingze while Yichen was sizing up Oliver in front.

"Mingze did you manage to give him the letter?" Hanya whispered.

Mingze remembered the situation with the letter and couldn't help but sigh. He wanted to shut up Hanya and tell her to just give up, but since he couldn't be that rude he just said the truth.

"I put it in his bag, the next step depends on him."

He took a few step back as Hanya suddenly jumped on his arms, it took him by surprise that he nearly fell down. The female lead on the other hand was all smiles, she did not notice how the two of them almost roll down in front of everyone because of her silly actions.

"Thank you so much! If I succeed I'll buy you more-"

"You would buy him what? Can you include me in this conversation?" Yichen effortlessly pulled Hanya off Mingze. He saw the two of them hugging from his peripheral vision and approached them, completely ignoring Oliver.

"Ohh I promised to buy him a snack in exchange for a small favor." 

"Then you can ask me for a favor next time, then you can buy me some snacks."

Mingze raised his eyebrows at Yichen's friendly attitude, he hadn't always been this friendly to other people, especially to those who obviously liked him. It was completely out of character. It felt like he had some ulterior motive. 

However, contrary to his expectations Yichen continued talking with Hanya throughout the whole afternoon until the practice session for the day ended.

'Is he interested in her?'

"It's time to go home Mingze." Yichen called out to him. 

***

Oliver gritted his teeth as he glared at the man who just arrived. This place was his zone, how could some business major just suddenly barged in here? He planned to complain about his piano skills, but Yichen was so good he had nothing else to complain about. Even the girls like him, nobody was paying attention to him anymore. 

A part of him feels intimidated by Yichen, but his pride wouldn't let him be afraid of someone younger than him. Plus, he have some connections. 

"It's time to go home Mingze." He eyed the pair of boys leaving the room. It was obvious that Mingze doesn't like Yichen, but was tolerating him. His eyes squinted as he followed their backs.

He should observe for a while, he could tolerate Mingze since he could make him follow, but the Yichen fellow was annoying for Oliver.

***

"I thought you're busy with your major, why are you suddenly coming as an understudy?"

It was no secret that Yichen applied for the major just for fun, he was not serious. His priority remains in being a business major in the university. 

"Professor Yan sent me, he also told me that you are the male lead in the production." 

Mingze looked at him weirdly, he thought it was a mistake in his part and misheard professor Yan, but even Yichen told him he was the lead assigned by their professor. He was torn thinking if he should confront Oliver or just let it be since their show is near and they are now polishing their moves.

After a while he shook his head. That's right, how could they change? They are already polishing everything he can't be selfish.