
I'm reading that XiXi and JY aren't a couple yet in the comments, but I swear they confessed to one another? Aren't they a couple, we just haven't seem them act in obvious romantic ways like implied kisses? Or did I hallucinate chapters, because that could happen (I'm tired) (〜 ̄△ ̄)〜

Jian Yi confessed in the "early" chapters, and their mutual agreement was to keep being friends, since at the time XiXi didn't seem to like Jian Yi in a romantic sense. XiXi later admits to himself and the girl that had a crush on him (the one that called Jian Yi a "disgusting gay" lol) that he did indeed like Jian Yi. Ever since this conversation, the topic of feelings was never brought up between the two of them and they've maintained the status quo of friends.
Jian Yi has always been "handsy" and (physically & verbally) affectionate with XiXi, but at some point XiXi stoped pushing him away like he'd always done in those moments (and even reciprocated at times); so it's easy to forget they're not dating tbh, bc they don't really act like it. But between the two of them, the only one who's ""openly"" in love with the other is Jian Yi, and wether or not Jian Yi suspects XiXi's feelings is anyone's guess... so the most u could call them is a situationship ig
(Though for chapters set in the future this could be different)
My father said this to me too. That because he wanted me to live an easier life, I should stick to society's rules of normality. Sticking to the rules may give me an easier life, but I would rather struggle and fight for my own happiness than succumb to the rules I'm meant to fit in, and live every day in suppression. I think it really boils down to cowardice. My father knows that I am a fighter, but yet continues to tell me to live within the lines because HE never had the courage to fight against them. I don't need someone to tell me that being myself with cause me suffering. I need someone who will support me when that suffering inevitably comes.