[ Lan Zhan's presence in his tiny, shabby apartment is always a blessing. Wei Wuxian feels like it amps up the elegance and possibly the property value of the entire neighborhood. Despite the contrast, he likes having his friend there. Well, he likes Lan Zhan anywhere, but especially in his apartment, where it's usually just the two of them and their conversations or even (rarely) peaceful silence, both a comfort, and a distraction.

But now, it's strained and awkward and he doesn't know what to say. So he busies his hands with making tea, pulling out the kettle and strainer and carefully measuring tea leaves, waiting for the water to hit the right temperature. He knows this routine well enough now that it doesn't need all of his focus but it's an excuse to keep his hands busy. But eventually, the tea is steeping, a timer set and Wei Wuxian has nothing else to look at but Lan Zhan. (Not that it's a hardship; Lan Zhan is seriously beautiful.) ]

I like you. [ He blurts it out, just lays it at Lan Zhan's feet, a confession and a promise and a blundering twist of his tongue. He follows it with a groan, dropping his head to the counter. ] I wanted to maybe tell you one day, find somewhere romantic and beautiful and confess if I ever got up the courage, and instead I just. Not quite tell you in a text message and blurt it out minutes after you walk in the door.