"Tell me something about yourself that no one is aware of?"

At Jun's query Xian glanced and smirked. "Why the sudden interest?"

"Didn't you just say that I could ask you anything and you will answer?"

Grinning at the older man's retort Xian shook his head and commented, "Ass."

"Hey!"

Though there was no heat to his words; Xian did not miss Jun's narrowed eyes. At times he would act like a prude, and other times he would like a tiger waiting to be challenged. For Xian; this side of Jun really excited him.

"Poetry." Xian answered softly.

"Sorry?"

"I like poetry." Xian glanced back at Jun to find surprise written all over his face. "Due to my practice, I was constantly touring from one place to another. Attending school became quite laborious.

"I had basic formal education to make me eligible to join a professional team, but none of the subject enticed me to want more."

Turning back to look at the stars above, Xian remembered the day as if it was just yesterday.

"Three years ago we were in Toronto. After our match, the boys wanted to go out for few drinks. That was when I came across a poster for online classes for poetry.

"Next day I went in, enquired, the fees was affordable and the best thing was I could attend classes and give my exams from any part of the world."

When Xian didn't hear a word from the man beside him, he turned to find Azure's soft eyes peering intently on him.

"What?" For some reason the way Azure was looking at him, made him extremely self-aware and a little bit shy.

"What made you love poetry?"

This time it was Xian who was quiet. Back then poetry was his solace as well as a sharp reminder as to how truly lonely he was in this world.

"You heard me inform Ms. Lee that I was adopted twice right?"

Jun simply gave him a small nod.

"My love for poetry bloomed when I was adopted for second time. The master of that house had a humongous library and to escape my reality I once ventured in and it changed my life forever.

"I was attracted to this one particular painting of a lone peony flower partially submerged in snow and next to it was a poem; and when I started reading them, albeit small poems, it gave me inner peace. They were simple to read and understand and I loved them. From then on to escape I used to hide inside the library and continue to read as many as I could."

"Xian."

"Yeah?"

"Were they... abusive towards you?" Azure's hesitation made Xian smile.

"No. On the contrary they were never home. I don't know why they adopted me if they didn't want a kid? They weren't neglectful, but I guess they weren't the kind who ought to become parents.

"Those days I terribly missed JC a lot." Taking a sip of his now lukewarm coffee Xian continued, "Even when I ran away from their house, they weren't sad. Probably they knew this was not for them or me. JC was glad to have me back and except for missing out on lots of opportunities to read, I didn't really miss much either. Azure, do you know when it comes to donating books; how many poetry books gets donated?"

Not waiting for an answer Xian's lips curved into a small smile, "Too many. Apparently people don't like to read much poetry. We had a publishing house who used to donate new and tattered books. To many they were a piece of discarded materials, to me they were a boon. At night I used to read them in a corner and keep my passion to myself."

"I am assuming JC is aware about it?"

Grinning at Jun's assumption Xian nodded, "Oh Yes! He knows. Back when we were young he used to sneak many in for me; now whenever he travels around, he'll get me few from every corner of the world."

"Do you write poetries?"

"I do."

"Have you written for anyone?"

The moment Xian heard Azure's question; his heart pained. One thing he could never forget was the ordeal from two months ago. It was his nightmare to live with. He wanted roses and in return all he received were painful and poisonous thorns.

All Xian could do was nod.

"Can I hear one?"

Though Azure's query was earnest, Xian was ridden with painful memories. His voice was distant and coarse.

In splendor of darkness;
it was your footprints that created void in my heart;
if it weren't for you,
I would still have believed in an illusion called love.

The night you touched me,
it was not out of tenderness,
your laughter a mockery,
Your lust razed me.

Forever I was broken;
our memories were vain,
words that left me in pain,
words of treachery left me slain.

'What happened to you Xian?' Jun wanted to ask. The pain was too much. The thought of someone... No! He couldn't even fathom the agony.

"Didn't like the poem Azure?" Xian's soft voice brought him back to the present.

"It's heart wrenching... Bad break-up...?" Jun stuttered. He was never the one to stutter but at that moment he couldn't form an entire sentence.

It was Xian's sudden laugh that made Jun frown.

"What? No! Not at all!" Xian's voice was too loud. "No... It was just something I wrote off the shelf... Who..." Glancing at Jun; Xian gave a broad smile, "Who would dare to break my heart? Look at me! I am soooooo handsome."

'Yes you are.' Jun wanted to say it aloud but looking into the depths of Xian's eyes, he knew the bravery the younger man tried to portray was all farce.

'You promised me that you would reveal the reason for your sudden aggressiveness one day. I will wait Xian.' Jun's heart was filled with unmentionable pain and he had no clues as to why would he feel this level of sadness for a person he just met a day ago. Was this even possible?

It appeared that Xian himself had thoughts that were wandering away; and on lines of poetry Jun remembered one particularly.

"When end nears, remember the feeling of being held;
for one day when you walk by the field of roses,
even thorns would smile at your valor."

Surprised by Jun's poetry, a serene smile graced Xian's face. "You like poetry Azure?"

As Jun got up from his seat, his feet faltered, and before he lost the courage, Jun answered softly, "Never before did I pay attention to poetry. Seems now I should."

The scent left by Azure as he walked away brought Xian peace.

What happened few months ago, even JC wasn't aware. It was his shame that made him so weak.

As he looked up at the stars; Xian had long promised not to fall in love. Love was not for people like him. He had fans all over the world, girls who were ready to share their bed with him. Men who wanted favours from him. But all along he had one wish; to find a person whose ring he could wear forever, but the incidence of what happened those months ago, he knew love was not for him.

Yet, why did Azure's words be a balm for his aching heart?

Beauty/Beautician: 

A player who is loved not only for his skills, but for his personality. He is one of the coolest guys on the team and usually has great stories. He might also have the best flow on the team.