Chapter 24: Dreamie.

Since it was already spring,the vegetation that were once covered in snow were now lush ,green and vibrant. Even the campus was more bustling as students walked freely without worrying about the cold. Everyone buzzed with vitality embodying the true essence of Spring.

Gu Shan was excited about one upcoming event that was probably half a month from the current date on the calendar. His favourite Mandarin pop girl group Star Dream Girls was set to perform in Mid April. He logged in to the website to purchase a ticket as early as possible to avoid missing out on the last minute.

"Daxun-ge,I'm purchasing a ticket for the Star Dream Girls concert. I want to buy an extra ticket do you want to go with me?"Gu Shan asked excitedly. He ,Liu Daxun,Li Yunxi and Xiao Hui were seated in Liu Daxun's apartment playing card games. When they went for a short break was when Gu Shan brought his laptop to purchase a ticket.

"When's the concert?"

"April 13th."

"April 13th? It's my aunt's birthday and she's moving to Beijing next month so I don't think I'll be available."

Gu Shan pouted at the response. He didn't want to go alone. He just hoped he would have someone to scream beside him. Someone who would boost his energy and motivate him to scream his lungs out. Since highschool,he always went to concerts with his uncle.

"Hui-ge,what about you?" Gu Shan fluttered his eyelashes at him in persuasion.

"I'm sorry I don't listen to Star Dream Girls,"Xiao Hui revealed with a solemn expression.

Suddenly everyone became quiet sinking deep into their own thoughts.

"I can go with you. I'm a fan,"Li Yunxi suddenly spoke earning everyone's attention.

"Really?"Gu Shan asked eyeing him suspiciously,not convinced by his words.

Li Yunxi began humming a tune and Gu Shan immediately recognized it and even started singing the lyrics against the tune.

"You really are a dreamie!"Gu Shan shouted clearly impressed by Li Yunxi,"Have you listened to their latest album?"

"Dream melodies?"

"Yes and what's your favourite song from the album?"Gu Shan continued the Q&A session excitedly not minding the other two friends who were watching him with admiration. He looked so happy while talking about his favourite girl band.

He looked like a small kid talking about his favourite superhero character.

"I like Heartbeat Rhythm and Dream's Beginning."

"I also like Heartbeat Rhythm. Then who is your bias?"

"Qian Ru."

"I like her too but my bias is Chen Xin. Then it's a deal. Give me your details I'll buy tickets for us."

A discreet proud smile flashed across Gu Shan's face before the others could notice it. The plan was going smoothly. He just found something common between him and Li Yunxi. Because of a common interest Li Yunxi would surely feel they are connected in some kind of way and get attached to him. Li Yunxi was over the moon knowing he would attend his first concert with Gu Shan. He had never been to any concert before because he couldn't afford to buy a ticket for such concerts of such a big pop group. Going with someone was even better. Although he didn't show it in front of everyone,deep down he was screaming happily like a kid. He only managed to smile slightly after the whole conversation. It was one of the few times one was able to witness his almost invisible smile .

*****

Gu Shan prepared everything and made sure they were ready for the concert. He bought two transparent backpacks;one for him and one for Li Yunxi. He bought LED light sticks , batteries,water bottles, snacks and other things he thought were essential to use during the concert. Li Yunxi made sure he had cleared his schedule on that special night. He looked at his own reflection in the mirror several times to make sure he looked good for the concert. He had never cared about his looks before but now he couldn't help but verify his outfit and overall look. He didn't like dressing up especially for someone but now he himself couldn't understand why he was doing it.

When stepped outside the apartment,Gu Shan was already waiting for him eagerly .

"I'm sorry for being late ."

"You're not late you're just on time,"Gu Shan corrected, his eyes measuring Li Yunxi from head to toe. Compared to other times before he looked even more handsome dressed up like that.

"Let's go,"Gu Shan ordered and they immediately left.

*****

It was still early so they passed by a restaurant first to take dinner and maybe gain some energy to sustain them throughout the concert.

"You can order whatever you like ,"Gu Shan said.

"They're all expensive,"Li Yunxi said worriedly scanning the whole menu for cheaper food.

"Don't worry about the price just order."

"I feel guilty that you have to pay for my meal and you even paid for my ticket. I don't like being a freeloader,"Li Yunxi muttered with embarrassment.

"I really don't mind. Also the money I paid for the ticket was my uncle's compensation for not being able to go with me. He told me to use it to pay for a friend,"Gu Shan explained indifferently.

"But still you could have chosen to keep the money so it's a pleasure enough that I get to accompany you to the concert,"Li Yunxi spoke sincerely staring a little too passionately into the other's eyes. For a second Gu Shan got lost staring into those dark eyes that stared passionately at him.

"Let's order,"Gu Shan suddenly spoke flustered by the trance they were in. He didn't want to behave like a shy teenage girl.

*****

Right after dinner they headed straight to the concert venue which was already crowded by the time they reached there. They joined the long queue of fans waiting to be inspected on their way in. After checking in at the entrance they proceeded further for the designed venue. Gu Shan suddenly took his hand and intertwined their fingers.

"You have to stick with me . It's crowded in here it's hard to find each other if we get separated,"Gu Shan instructed and Li Yunxi nodded slightly in response. In the sea of people it was easy to get separated and chances of finding each other again were minimal.

As they reached the venue Li Yunxi felt the excitement rising in him - not because of the concert but because of the soft warm hand that held his firmly. His heart was racing and he felt a surge of adrenaline rushing through his veins. He just hoped Gu Shan wouldn't realize how their current predicament affected him. The venue was already crowded with fans waiting eagerly for their artists.

Finally when the fans had settled down,the girls all dressed in custom made attire marched on to the vast stage letting the lights directly shine on their glowing faces.

"Hello Dreamies welcome to our first Spring Concert this year hope you'll enjoy,"one of the girls began. The audience cheered at her and she flashed her signature radiant smile at them . The Star Dream Girls were the biggest Chinese girl group with the largest fan base. Dreamie was their fan base name.

"Tonight we'll perform our sixth album Dream Melodies which has received a lot of support thanks to you guys and I hope we'll stick to each other forever,"another member of the girl group added.

As they performed the songs in their album the fans waved their light sticks in sync with the songs' beat and cheered. The place was very lively. It was still ironic how Gu Shan preferred such places instead of the club. That moment as he waved his own light stick,he looked like a fish in water. He looked alive and Li Yunxi found it hard to not stare at him. His soft pink lips parted beautifully everytime he sang the lyrics. His curly hair whose strands stuck to the forehead made him look sexier than usual. He looked too beautiful to be real. Instead of focusing on the stars performing on stage,Gu Shan became the star in his eyes. His gaze slid lower to their hands which were still intertwined and he smiled. He shook all the indecent thoughts from his mind because he couldn't afford to get a hard on at a damn concert. It would be embarrassing.

It was still dark outside when they left the concert venue. Gu Shan slipped a sweet into his mouth to smoothen his voice which was now hoarse from all the singing. Together they boarded a taxi back home.

The ride back from the concert was utterly silent with only the sound tires gliding smoothly along the road on their way back. Gu Shan was exhausted so he drifted off to sleep. Li Yunxi had already gotten used to staying up late because of his job so staying a few late night hours up wasn't a big deal. From time to time he glanced at the sleeping boy whose head leaned heavily against his shoulder. Just the sight of those cute pouted lips of the boy and his calm almost inaudible breaths were enough to stir his mind with little wild fantasies.