Part 1The Misheard Affection

My hearing is bad. When the campus heartthrob asked me to "run an errand" (pǎo tuǐ), I heard "make out with him" (qīn zuǐ). When he asked me to "swipe my meal card" (dǎ fàn), I heard "be his ride or die" (wéi zhe zhuàn). And just like that, in a haze of confusion, we started dating.

Later, I caught him playing poker with his "bro-girl" best friend at a bar. He mocked me: "Dating a deaf girl is torture."

I wasn't having it. I pushed open the door and asked him— "Where can I pick up four free male models?"

The heartthrob exploded with rage. But I really didn't hear him clearly! Where do I get them? If I'm late, they'll be gone!

* * *

The moment I pushed open the door, everyone in the VIP booth froze. Sophie slid off Caleb's lap, pulled down her mini-dress, and playfully punched him, her face flushed. "You said this was a guys' night out. Why did you bring a girl?" "Relax, sis-in-law, don't misunderstand. We just lost a game, it was a dare. Just rubbing, didn't go in. We're all bros here, straight as arrows, zero feelings involved, haha." "Ugh, women are so troublesome... Caleb, hurry up and comfort your wifey!"

The boy on the sofa lifted his eyelids slightly. He looked at me coldly, as if annoyed by my clinginess. So, I summoned my courage and walked up to him. "Caleb." My voice trembled a little. But I still wanted an answer. "I didn't hear you clearly just now." "Did you say where I can pick up four free male models?"