>Dear Chu,
Remember when you asked me how was I after you left? I told you what I always told you, "I'm fine, don't worry". But I wasn't fine. I didn't want to burden you with my unhappiness, I didn't want you to pity me. There was also a part of me afraid that you would not understand, that you would blame me for my weakness. I'm sorry for lying to you.
The truth is, I've never been strong enough to live for myself, so for a few blessed years I lived for you. When you moved away, I was lost. I fell inside my own mind, I thought I wasn't worth the air I breathed. I believed the first person that came after me because I needed someone to cling on to. I let him hurt me, encouraged him to do so, because I didn't believe I deserved more.
Yes, I said 'him'. Another thing I never told you.
My weakness caused troubles to my family, my father lost his customers, my brother started fighting other kids to defend me but I kept crawling in my dark hole doing nothing, until I ran away.
You told me you hoped I was strong enough to live my life on my own, but I wasn't, I've always been weak.
When Jiu spread lies about me I should have said something. You would have put a stop to it in no time but I couldn't.
Instead I let anyone believe it while I cried alone in my room.
I came all the way here wishing I could run away from myself, telling you that I was fine.
Unfortunately, my weak self followed me here.
I fought against myself to do something good, and begged you to find me a wife.
It was a crazy idea, I always knew that, but I wasn't strong enough to do what I should have done. I should have confronted all the bad things that were being said about me but I chose the only thing I knew how to do: hide.
You said I was insane and you were right, because at first I actually thought I would marry her and live a fake life.
Then I met Yunlan.
I don't deserve such a wonderful person, and yet he loves me, and I love him. I didn't marry Qiqi, nor we plan to do so. It won't be necessary, the plan worked, my parents are happy and my father's business is doing better. It's not as it once was, but it's improving. My brother stopped fighting and is helping our father now.
Qiqi is now for me a special friend like you were, like you still are.
She also found her special someone, an Italian girl that loves her back. We plan to find a bigger apartment and live all together, I will have my loved one and my friend with me, and I couldn't wish for anything more.
Actually, there is one thing. I miss you my friend, I miss you every day, and I wish you were here. I wish you could meet Yunlan and realise how wonderful and special he is, I still can't believe I got so lucky. He is much more than I will ever deserve.
I'm sorry I lied to you, but know now that I will live, I will be stronger and happy. I didn't think I could ever be strong, but Yunlan says I am, and I want to do everything I can to fit the image he has of me.
Once we find the right place I will send you the address, I will buy a big couch and keep it ready for you, for when you'll come visiting, and maybe one day I'll be able to come back and visit you.
Until then, know that you'll always be my special big brother.
Love, Wei.

Wei pressed send without even reading it again. There was nothing to check, he had said what he wanted to say.
He looked at the computer screen and hesitated, he wanted to write one more but somehow it was the most difficult.

He felt Yunlan's hand on his shoulder and it was enough. There had to be something magical about it, because that simple gesture filled him with the courage that was slipping away from him. Knowing that Yunlan was there for him was the most powerful magic.

He opened another email.
>Dear brother, writing a letter is easier than saying the words out loud, but it's still difficult.
I'm here to apologise.
I have a lot to apologise for, I shouldn't have burdened you with my unhappiness when you were just a kid, but most of all I should have valued your words when you tried to encourage me. I loved you then like I've always loved you, but I didn't believe you because you were my brother. I thought that your words didn't count because of it but I was unfair, your words should have been the most important ones for me.
I'm sorry brother, you helped me so much but I pushed you away. Please forgive me, I love you and always will.

Wei sent this last email and got up, finding himself in the strong arms of his boyfriend.

Yunlan hugged him tight. "I'm so proud of you," he said, and it surprised Wei like it did the first time.

"Thank you," he murmured circling his neck with his arms.
Their lips connected and they stayed like that for a long long time.

~~~

Miles away, two eyes so similar to Wei's but younger were reading an email. They filled with tears while Yezun absorbed every word. He wiped away the tears on his cheeks then clicked reply.
He wrote,
>Love you too. Always will.
Your little brother.

~~~ Two days later

Wei's phone beeped, and he opened Chu's email.
>Be sure there are soft blankets on that couch, and a fluffy pillow with a dog on it, because one day I'll come knocking on your door.
Tell this wonderful person that he must treat you well or I'll kick his ass no matter how wonderful it is.
Love you bro.
P.s. I'm not surprised your other half is a he, I kinda guessed it a long time ago, that's why I sent you QiQi. Thought you might understand each other.
P.p.s. Tell Qiqi that the doctor's son married Mr Tong's daughter. After the second time she ended up in a hospital she ran away and told her parents everything. He's in prison now. If Qiqi ever decides she wants to come back, I doubt her parents will try to force a marriage on her again.

Wei carried their breakfast to the table and read that last bit to Qiqi.
"Did you know her?" he asked.

"Yes, but not well. She used to mock me for being poor, but I think she was just upset that the guy liked me. For whatever reason, she was in love with him. I'm sorry it ended like that for her. As for him, I'd be surprised if he came out anytime soon. Mr. Tong was a good lawyer."

"Do you think you'll ever go back?" He asked. He had asked himself the same thing, but he still had no answer.

"I don't know, maybe. If things go well, I'd like to show Lisa where I come from, one day."

Wei nodded, they ate the rest in silence and prepared for work.