I didn't proofread. I will probably edit this chapter as I wrote it half asleep. :))) 

//mentions of violence// 

Multiple POV shifts

Xie Lian

His San Lang had been apologizing for almost an hour now. He was really fine. Yes, he was exhausted earlier, but seeing his boyfriend took all his fatigue away. "Stop apologizing, will you? Your gege is fine." Xie Lian smiled gently while his fingers combed Hua Cheng's hair. "You've been apologizing a hundred times already."

San Lang lifted his face from his thighs and looked at him. His eyes were stubborn and sad. It was nothing I couldn't handle. "It's only the 22nd time, gege. I hate myself," he mumbled under his breath before burying his face on Xie Lian's thighs again. 

"Don't be too harsh on yourself, San Lang. And I don't like hearing those words, hmmm?" Xie Lian stuffed the last piece of the mantou into his mouth. It really tasted heavenly. San Lang brought him too many pieces!

Like a feline, San Lang rubbed his face between his thighs. Not that part! Just on the gap between his thighs. "Sorry, gege. I just panicked earlier. Are you really okay? Are you in any pain?"

"San Lang! You've asked me that a hundred times too!" Xie Lian giggled. His San Lang was too hard on himself, but it was, at the same time, endearing. He couldn't help the warmth that bubbled inside his chest. Someone cared for him so much that it was overwhelming. 

"It's just the 14th time." Hua Cheng whipped his head up and looked at him with a pout. He was impossible! But he was so cute. 

Xie Lian cupped his boyfriend's face.  He never dreamt of having someone to treat this way, but he was glad he had San Lang now.  Sometimes, Xie Lian wondered how he could handle all the love he was feeling. It was as if that any moment now, his heart would burst from too much affection. "Look, San Lang, I am fine. I know you feel bad because of what happened. But I am fine, and there's nothing to worry about."

San Lang nodded. His pout was wiped off of his face. He stood up, sat beside him, and looked at him with a serious face. Xie Lian's cheeks heated up when Hua Cheng held his face and planted a lingering kiss on his forehead. And in that short while, Xie Lian closed his eyes relishing the warm feeling inside. 

I love you, San Lang. 

Hua Cheng pulled away and looked at him tenderly. "I care for you, gege. I love you. So much. I know I was careless earlier, and it won't happen again. I'll see to it that I will never make the same mistake... I hate making the same mistake."

Xie Lian knew there was a deeper reason underneath those words. But Xie Lian was quick to brush it off. Hua Cheng would tell him more if he was ready to do so. 

He smiled shyly. "I know, San Lang, that you care a lot." He tucked Hua Cheng's hair behind his ear. "I know you won't allow this to happen next time, right?" 

Hua Cheng nodded enthusiastically. Such a baby. The younger man kissed his cheek. "Thank you, San Lang."

"Come here closer..." Hua Cheng opened his arms and Xie Lian snuggled in his embrace right away. "You don't have to thank me, gege. I'm lucky enough to be the one who takes care of you."

"You think too highly of me." For Xie Lian, he didn't deserve that. He was far from being an admirable man. 

"As I should." Hua Cheng rubbed his back in a comforting manner. "Gege is just too good for me."

"I love you, San Lang."

"I love you so fucking much." 

You feel so warm. Xie Lian didn't want to break from the hug. So, he didn't. "San Lang, I have something to tell you." 

When Hua Cheng was about to pull away, he protested. "Just keep hugging me." It was too late to feel embarrassed. 

San Lang chuckled. "Too cute."

"Uhm~" Xie Lian cleared his throat. "The Mayor assigned me a task."

"Fuck. You just returned." San Lang tightened his hug. 

"Hmm~ It's fine, San Lang. I'm lucky enough that he keeps me around despite being absent for days."

"He is lucky enough I let him keep you around," San Lang grumbled. 

"San Lang!" Xie Lian laughed. 

"I know... It's not up to me to decide on that," he sighed. "So, where is it? What are you supposed to do later?"

"Just confirm if there really is an illegal fight happening on that abandoned subway. I have Feng Xin and Mu Qing with me." Xie Lian was scared... He was scared to relive moments he should've already forgotten. He just hoped Hua Cheng wouldn't see his fear. 

"Fucking bastard. Why would he send you?"

"It's really an easy task. I don't have to do anything other than to confirm."

"There is, indeed, an underground fight in there," he snarled. "Come on, you don't have to go, gege. I just know there is."

Xie Lian pulled away. "You don't involve yourself in this, San Lang."

"Why not, gege?" Hua Cheng's brows were drawn together. "Why can't I when I have all the means to keep you safe?"

"You know how it is, San Lang. I just don't want to compromise your safety too. You're someone many people have sought." Xie Lian looked away. He heard a lot about Hua Cheng's reputation and how other people saw him. He knew many people wish him bad.

"I don't care about my safety."

That irritated Xie Lian. He had already been on edge about the whole ordeal. "I care about yours! I don't want you to get involved... Would've been fine if it was just me. But Feng Xin and Mu Qing would be there. They had been considerate enough not to let the authorities know about your involvement the other time."

"You are right, gege." Hua Cheng hung his head low. "I would also sully your name. Being involved with me would make them think you're bad."

"That's not what I care about, San Lang. You know that. Hmm?" He held San Lang's cheek and brushed a thumb over his high cheekbone. "Let me just go in there. Just a short while. You can pick me up after instead."

They had to compromise. 

Hua Cheng considered it for a while. "I can raid the place even before you'll go there."

"San Lang," Xie Lian laughed. "No need for that. Let the police do that under Jun Wu's instructions. Let them be." 

"Yeah, let them think they did a good job." Hua Cheng rolled his eyes. "As long as the two keep you safe... I'll spare them all."

Xie Lian nodded. "They'll keep me safe."

"But this San Lang can keep you safer." 

So competitive. "San Lang keeps me the safest!" Xie Lian grinned. 

"You know how to get me, gege. I'm at your mercy." San Lang poured himself a glass of water. "What time will you see each other later?"

"Ten in the evening... Just at the monument." 

"Okay, I won't intervene. But the fight is in the comfort room." San Lang smirked. 

"Huh?" 

"Yes, just go inside the men's comfort room. Make no mistake. Enter the third cubicle on the left from the door's entrance. Do not attempt to open another door. Once you open it, there would be another door. Knowing the way is definitely a plus. They won't be suspicious of you." Hua Cheng shrugged. "Still you have to pay for the entrance." 

"How much do you know? Should we just interview you instead?" Xie Lian joked. 

"Eh? Gege said I shouldn't be involved." Hua Cheng slumped on the seat. " Besides, the government won't appreciate my help. I trust that you can do it, gege." The young man winked. 

"You really put a lot of faith in me, aside from being too protective. Thank you," Xie Lian said sincerely. 

"I will always believe in you. I'll always have faith in you." Hua Cheng looked away from him and stared into the space. "You are the bravest person I know. Whatever you do, do it. I'm just here to back you up."

"Uh-huh?" Xie Lian cracked a smile. 

"But let me whine about it for a while, okay? Okay, gege? Ugh! I hate you going out there!"

Xie Lian laughed and tackled Hua Cheng for a hug causing him to fall on top of him. He squeezed the taller man. "You are so cute, San Lang! So cute!"

"I am not cute, gege." He sound like he was sulking. 

"You are cute!" 

Suddenly, Hua Cheng's hand gripped the back of his neck firmly. His boyfriend whispered, lips touching the shell of his ear. It sent shivers down Xie Lian's spine. "I can show you why you shouldn't be calling me cute."

In a daze, Xie Lian answered him, "Can you?"

"Can I what, baby?"

Xie Lian blushed at the endearment. "Show me."

"Hmm~" He could feel the vibration of Hua Cheng's chest that was pressed against his. Everything felt hot. Everything felt suddenly too real and near. Hua Cheng felt so near because he really was. 

Hua Cheng's large hand slid down further right to his ass.

Although Hua Cheng didn't do anything other than place his hand on his ass, Xie Lian jumped at the unfamiliar touch, but the other arm held him tighter. If he felt other things... another part of Hua Cheng... he ignored it. "Not yet, gege. But soon I will. Hmm~" He kissed his cheek. "How can I resist my cute gege?"

"S-Shut up."

"Do you really want me to?" The younger man was smirking. 

Xie Lian shook his head and hid his face in Hua Cheng's neck. 

"Are you shy, gege?"

"You know the answer, San Lang. Don't be so cruel," he said against the hot skin on his lips. 

"Hahaha, you should know better than challenging this San Lang. You know, I aim... always... to please you." Hua Cheng patted his ass in a comforting manner, like that to a baby. "Take a nap for now."

"Here?" Xie Lian squeaked.

"Here." Hua Cheng kissed his hair. "Right where you belong." 


Xie Lian woke up to Hua Cheng playing with his hair. It seemed that they hadn't moved that much. He was still on top of his boyfriend, and he really slept well. "Hi, San Lang. What time is it?" He croaked.

"It's four in the afternoon, gege. You've slept pretty well." Hua Cheng smiled lazily.

"Hmm~ I have to take a bath. I should've done that earlier. I probably smell." He was all sweaty and he lay on top of his boyfriend right away. That should be disgusting. He should smell disgusting. 

"I don't mind, gege." Hua Cheng sniffed-kiss his head. "I love how you smell."

"Shut up," Xie Lian let out an airy laugh. 

"Hahaha, gege. You don't smell if that makes you feel better." 

"You laughing doesn't make it better at all." Xie Lian grinned. 

"Let's shower then."

"What us?"

"Oh, gege wants to shower alone?"

Xie Lian pulled away and scrunched his nose. "I'll shower alone, of course."

"Right. This San Lang just shot his shot." Hua Cheng rubbed his nose against his. The act was endearing and his San Lang was so cute! 

"But do you have anything I can change into?"

"Of course, gege." Then, San Lang's eyes lit up. "Earlier, I went to your house and got that important bag. I couldn't shake off the feeling that you'd go there when I said we didn't have to."

Xie Lian smiled sheepishly. 

"Ha! I was right. Next time, you tell me if you have thoughts like that, gege. I'd appreciate it."

Xie Lian nodded obediently. 

"Also, I told granny you were fine." Hua Cheng patted his head. "She knew you're with me."

"Really!? Thank you, San Lang!" Xie Lian hugged his boyfriend again. "I would've gone there earlier. But I also didn't have money."

Hua Cheng protectively snaked his arms around him. "Never ever go somewhere without telling me in advance." 

"Yes, San Lang."

"Good." Hua Cheng said. Then, he whispered, "Good boy."

Xie Lian shot up to sit. He supported his weight by suddenly pressing his hand on Hua Cheng's shoulder. It caused the other to grunt. Panicked, Xie Lian was straddling Hua Cheng while saying sorry. "Oh no! You- You caught me off guard." His hands were hovering on Hua Cheng's shoulder. 

"Haha, it's nothing, gege, though, I really like this position." San Lang winked. 

As soon as the realization hit him, Xie Lian jumped away from his position and almost tumbled down the carpet.

"Careful!" 

"I'm fine! I'll take a shower! Wait here!" Xie Lian scrambled his way to the bathroom. 

"Gege!" 

He ignored Hua Cheng and just locked the door. He didn't know why he was so flustered. It was ridiculous! But then again, Hua Cheng had always been intense for him and to him. Xie Lian couldn't really blame himself, could he?

He took off his clothes and stepped into the shower. He had the heater running. It was one of the things he loved living with Hua Cheng. He didn't have to have cold water for a shower. 

Xie Lian immediately relaxed as he washed this morning's grime away. He washed his hair and everything. After he was done, he stepped out of the shower and stared at his lithe body. There were still bruises everywhere. But they didn't look like they hurt. 

He smiled and then, cringed! His clothes! He didn't even ask Hua Cheng for clothes! Well, it wasn't like Hua Cheng hadn't seen his body, right? The younger man helped him bathe before. So, there was really nothing to hide. 

Perhaps, it was just the thought that now, Hua Cheng was as bold as ever to show that he really desired him. They were really past that 'friends' stage.

Whatever. Xie Lian dried himself with a clean towel and wrapped it around his waist. 

Hua Cheng

Damn. "Are you trying to kill me?" Hua Cheng mused in a deep voice filled with hunger. Xie Lian just waltzed back into the room with nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist. 

Hua Cheng couldn't miss how red blossomed from Xie Lian's chest to his neck, how his skin glistened from the droplets of water. His body was lithe, and Hua Cheng badly wanted to wrap his arms around his waist. Lick his skin. Suck his flesh. 

He had all these dirty thoughts even then. But the hunger was building up. The beast inside him begged for satisfaction that only Xie Lian could give. 

He badly wanted to own Xie Lian's body. He badly wanted to own all of him anyway. 

"Sorry, San Lang. I forgot to bring the clothes with me."

He, of course, already prepared them. It was his clothes so they should be loose on Xie Lian - not that his gege wouldn't rock in a slightly loose outfit though. 

Sheepishly, like a prey not wanting to be caught, Xie Lian picked up the clothes and dashed to the bathroom again. 

Oh, the things he'd do to Xie Lian once he'd be ready.

Hua Cheng respected Xie Lian so much he'd worship the ground Xie Lian walked on. And the same devotion he'd show on the sheets. The same desire he'd manifest. He'd fuck Xie Lian well. He'd fuck him 'til he'd be satiated enough to fall asleep without saying goodnight. 

"Fuck," Hua Cheng cursed under his breath. His cock was throbbing painfully hard. 

He guessed he'd have to take a cold shower. He'd been used to it since Xie Lian came back to his life. What a brazen bastard he was to desire the man he looked up to this way.

And brazen he'd be more knowing that Xie Lian felt the same affection for him.

If only Hua Cheng could chain Xie Lian on the bed and make his own room their safe haven, he would. The task that the old man gave Xie Lian was so ridiculous. Why couldn't he be a normal boss and just let Xie Lian do the paperwork while the other legally authorized people to do the job do their job? 

Jun Wu was really getting into his nerves. It didn't help that Hua Cheng was still blaming himself for what happened earlier. If he were Xie Lian, he wouldn't forgive him. How negligent! But Xie Lian was gracious as always. 

Hua Cheng gripped Xie Lian's thigh while his other hand was on the steering wheel. "How about we get you a car, gege? I don't want that to happen ever again."

Xie Lian smiled. "No need for that, San Lang. A car would be too much."

"You do know how to drive, right?"

"Hmm~" Xie Lian nodded. "A little."

"I'll get you a license." 

"San Lang, should it be me who'll get a license?"

Hua Cheng glanced shortly at his boyfriend. "Do you doubt your boyfriend's ability to get you a license overnight?"

Xie Lian shook his head fondly. "You're impossible."

They were almost at the rendevous. Hua Cheng just couldn't shake the heavy feeling that had sat on his heart. It seemed that there was an impending doom and something in his guts told him to accompany Xie Lian. 

He'd see what he could do later. He'd definitely have to keep a close eye on Xie Lian and make sure he had his men positioned around the perimeter. 

He couldn't risk it. What Xie Lian didn't know wouldn't hurt him. 

Across the street, Feng Xin and Mu Qing were waiting. 

Hua Cheng didn't want to let Xie Lian go as he pulled the car's handbrake. "We're here, gege."

His boyfriend took a deep breath. "I'll be fine, San Lang."

It doesn't seem you'll be, gege. He wanted to voice out. If he'd rev up the engine and just go, Xie Lian couldn't do anything. But Hua Cheng wouldn't do such a thing to the love of his life. 

To take the freedom his man had longed for since would be unforgivable. 

But he'd be there. He vowed to be there.

Hua Cheng sighed and turned to Xie Lian with a soft smile. It was dark outside and so was in the car. He cupped Xie Lian's face with his hands. "Of course, you'll be, gege. My gege is a strong man."

"You really put so much credit to me, San Lang." Xie Lian smiled widely. 

"As you deserve." He leaned in and kissed Xie Lian's forehead. Then, he whispered without pulling away that much, "Run now, bambi, or I might just change my mind."

Xie Lian kissed his cheek in a haste. "I'll be back! Make sure to check your phone. I'll message you if I need something." 

Then, his bashful boyfriend dashed out to where the two were. 

Hua Cheng, unfortunately, didn't find them that bad, really. They looked after Xie Lian and it was enough for him to not hate them. 

Xie Lian

Xie Lian crossed the street to where Mu Qing and Feng Xin were waiting and bickering. Again. 

"Hey, shorty." Feng Xin threw an arm over his shoulder in a friendly way as they walked to the subway.

Mu Qing rolled his eyes. "He dropped you off."  

"Yeah..." Xie Lian smiled. "He actually wants to come with us." 

"Hmm, he can come with us." Feng Xin shrugged. "He belongs to those places anyway."

Xie Lian huffed, "I don't want him to be involved in this."

Mu Qing reacted. "He's involved in a lot more dangerous things. But it's good he that he didn't force you to do things his way. I don't want to see his face."

"Why?"

"I don't like him, okay!?" Mu Qing almost yelled. 

Feng Xin chuckled. "He's scared of Hua Cheng. Who isn't?"

"San Lang is kind." His voice was small. 

"Yeah, but can kill people without batting an eye." Feng Xin sighed. "He's kind to you."

"Can we just stop talking about him now?" Mu Qing sounded irritated. 

"Does he not worry about you?" Feng Xin ignored Mu Qing's request. "This whole task?"

Xie Lian shook his head. "He's worried. But he trusts me."

"And he'll probably have our heads, idiot, if something bad happens to Xie Lian," Mu Qing sneered. 

"You'll protect Xie Lian anyway." Feng Xin smiled. 

"Shut up," said Mu Qing in a noncommittal manner. 

Xie Lian blushed. He wasn't used to people caring for him. So, he'd get blushy all the time. 

The three of them walked further until they reached the subway. "So, where now?" Mu Qing asked. The place seemed quiet but not really. They could hear the vehicles from a distance. There were also some homeless people here and there.

"I thought the place could be around here. Not really in the subway." Feng Xin mused his thoughts.

Knowing where the place was, Xie Lian immediately let them know. "Oh, about that." He scratched his temple with his index finger and chuckled awkwardly. "Ahh yes, about that. San Lang told me where to find it. But you have to keep it a secret to the mayor."

"We aren't dumb to tell him," Mu Qing mumbled. 

"Even that, he knows?" Feng Xin asked, seemingly in unbelief that even something that seemed insignificant Hua Cheng knew. "Of course, it's fucking Hua Chengzhu." And there, he answered himself. 

Xie Lian just shook his head lightly. It seemed that Hua Cheng really knew everything. So, this got Xie Lian wondering - does Hua Cheng know about him? 

A shiver ran down his spine. That man... He didn't want Hua Cheng to ever cross paths with him. Xie Lian was scared, frightened. That man took everything away from him... Xie Lian felt his fingers going numb. What would he do if that man would find about Hua Cheng? 

Would he also take him away from him? 

"Shorty! Are you okay?" 

Xie Lian rapidly blinked his eyes. He didn't have the luxury of time to think about those, but he'd surely sort it out after. He wet his lips with his tongue and nodded. "This way."

The two followed him closely and never asked him why they went to the toilet. The comfort room looked dirty but didn't stink. 

He did what Hua Cheng told him. He pushed open the third door and indeed, there was another door. Being not obvious from the outside was really telling that they wanted to keep it a secret. But there was a door and of a decent size. Any tall man would fit in. 

Mu Qing made a thoughtful sound, more like a 'mn'. Other than that the two remained quiet as Xie Lian moved to twist the knob. 

When Xie Lian pulled it open, they couldn't see much because it was dark from the inside. Yet, the flickering light of the bathroom allowed them to make out the stairs leading further below. The air felt humid. 

"Thrilling," Feng Xin commented quietly. 

Xie Lian stepped and walked further down the stairs, and as he did, he could hear muffled noises, voices. His heart raced more. A few seconds and he'd be exposed to violence again, something that shouldn't shake his core; but Xie Lian didn't want it. 

When he reached the last step, there was another door but a big man was waiting at the entrance, pointed the fee to enter, and opened his hand to demand payment. 

Feng Xin gave the man the money calmly. 

They were handed the tickets and were allowed to enter.

The tickets read Championship Battle: Nan vs. Hei.

Their timing was impeccable. Apparently, they were about to see a supposed championship battle of sorts. It was something the audience was looking forward to. 

When they finally entered the grounds, noises filled their ears. 

The place, although air-conditioned, was humid. He could smell the sweat. Xie Lian scrunched his nose at how cramped up the people were. Yes, the place was spacious but there were too many people, diverse people. Some looked rich, others didn't. Some looked rough and others were fine. 

There was a large led screen showing the total bets between the two fighters and it reached a ridiculous amount that couldn't be really possible if it were just a small-time underground fight. Xie Lian knew it wasn't now. That was why Hua Cheng knew about that place too. 

A lady approached them, and at that, Feng Xin stepped closer to Mu Qing. She was wearing two pieces of clothes and she really looked objectively attractive if only Xie Lian was attracted to women. She was beautiful nonetheless. "Good evening, gentlemen," her voice sultry. "Do you want to bet or just be spectators?"

Xie Lian smiled at her. "Good evening. We'd like to just enjoy the show for now." He was relieved they weren't forced to bet.

"Alrighty, pretty boy!" She chirped and went along her way. 

"Let's push through the crowd," Xie Lian suggested. 

"Eh? Why's that?" Mu Qing pulled a disapproving face.

Xie Lian shrugged. "Standing here like not really interested in the show might get us in trouble. I don't know. I just don't want them to be suspicious."

Feng Xin looked concerned. "Hua Cheng is going to kill us."

That made Xie Lian laugh, "He won't. Let's go!"

They pushed through the crowd until they found a place to stand and blend in with the crowd. 

The fight was about to begin as the emcee announced the main contenders. A woman was walking on the stage flashing the round's number with a board. They were all anticipating how this night would turn out. 

Feng Xin and Mu Qing attempted to converse with others, even betting among themselves. That was good. At least, Xie Lian didn't have to do much. The two were really on this. Perhaps, if he weren't too caught up with the past, he'd function and work better. 

But, alas! This hit close to home. 

Even at such a young age, Xie Lian was already in training like he was a soldier going to war. And he was around ten to eleven years old when he was forced to witness much violence. That evil man had no consideration for whether he was a child or not. 

That man dragged him to underground fights where he had to see how people fought with no restraints, like beasts thirsty for blood. 

Xie Lian, at first, shook like a leaf. Violence was something he had grown up around with. It wasn't anything new. But that environment was different. It was suffocating, and that man held his face harshly and made him watch. 

He was made to watch over and over and over again - on different occasions, different circumstances, not just underground fights but also when that man would want to play with the people he captured and had 'wronged' him. 

He was made to watch until he was fourteen. He was fourteen when he was forced to fight for his life. He didn't want to fight, but he had no choice then because if he didn't he'd die from being beaten up. And Xie Lian, still a child, tried to fight for his way.

The short reminiscence of his memory came to a halt when the crowd was cheering. The fight was getting more intense and Xie Lian stood there, frozen. There was blood on the fighters' faces. He could hear their grunts and the blows of their punches. 

He would even say he could feel the pain as they brawled. 

Feng Xin and Mu Qing were among those who reacted when the crowd would react. Good for them. 

Xie Lian overestimated himself too much. 

A few more minutes into the fight, Xie Lian felt he needed to breathe some fresh air. He breathed deeply but he really didn't feel like he breathed. So, he decided to just walk away. 

At least, he himself could confirm the existence of this place and his other co-workers could already have gathered information. 

Xie Lian turned to his side and touched Feng Xin's forearm. The man looked at him right away and tilted his head. "I'll go out first! I'll just text you later," Xie Lian said. 

Feng Xin nodded while sporting a concerned face. "Go ahead. We're already good."

Good. Xie Lian thought. 

He was about to walk away when he turned to face the stage one more time and on the other side, Xie Lian saw him. He was amongst the crowd from across them. He was standing wearing his plain white ensemble and his half-smiling and half-crying mask.

Xie Lian blinked his eyes as dread and panic washed over him. But when he was about to open his eyes again, someone touched his elbow and turned his body around. From the smell of youth and fresh flowers, Xie Lian knew who it was. 

"Gege, this San Lang missed you." San Lang was smiling over him. He had a hood over his head.

No. He'll take San Lang away from me. He'll take him away just like how he took everything away from me. In the sheer panic of having San Lang and the possibility of that man in one place, Xie Lian looked back. Both of his hands were numb from panic. His heart was painfully beating hard against his chest. 

"Is there something wrong, gege?" His smiling face turned into a frown. 

But there was no one in there. The man wearing white was no longer seen among the sea of crowd. 

"Is everything okay?" Feng Xin moved closer to them. 

Not trusting himself to speak, Xie Lian just looked straight into Hua Cheng's eyes. And as if understanding him, Hua Cheng said, "Let's get out of here."

An arm wrapped around his shoulder. Xie Lian dwarfed against Hua Cheng's side, and despite how cold his hands were, he felt warmth from the man who was weaving them through the crowd. Hua Cheng's hold was protective and firm. 

It was all that Xie Lian needed at that moment. 

Hua Cheng was all he ever needed. 

"Have you seen him, San Lang?!" He asked in a high-pitched voice once they were out of that godforsaken place. He thought when he'd be out, he could breathe. But he was wrong. 

Was he a figment of my imagination? Was I overthinking? 

He was there!

It was as if he still couldn't breathe. 

"Who, gege?"

"The man wearing white!" Xie Lian scrambled away from Hua Cheng. "I saw him! He- He was there!"

"What did he look like?"

"White! He was wearing white!" Xie Lian placed a hand over his mouth as a broken sob escaped his lips. He didn't realize he was crying. 

"Gege..." Hua Cheng wanted to reach out to him.

Xie Lian stepped back. "Have you seen him?"

"Let me take you to the car first, and we'll talk. Come on." Hua Cheng took a step closer. 

Xie Lian took a step back. "What if he saw you?" He whimpered.

Hua Cheng's brows knitted. He looked worked up. "There was nobody, gege. No one's going to get you. I'm here. San Lang is here. Let's get back to the car, and let's go home." Hua Cheng raised his hands tentatively. 

"No." Xie Lian frowned and blinked his eyes furiously. "He definitely saw you." 

"I was wearing a hoodie and it wasn't a well-lit place, gege. He couldn't have seen me." Hua Cheng stepped closer. 

Xie Lian took a step back. They were still just outside the comfort room. "I have to get away. I have to run away again." He could hear how broken his voice was. He could feel his heart breaking. 

Hua Cheng's jaw set. "Whoever you saw won't get to you, gege. Come on."

"B-But..."

"Did you see him again when you looked back?" Hua Cheng asked cautiously.

Xie Lian's brows and nose scrunched. "No."

"Then, he probably wasn't there or there was just another man wearing white." Hua Cheng was walking closer to him. "Let's go home. You'll feel safe in there."

Was I thinking too much about him that I saw him? Was he not real? Xie Lian didn't know what to think. And he wasn't aware of just how close Hua Cheng was until the man held his face. 

"You're safe." Both of San Lang's thumbs brushed over his cheekbones. "As long as you're with me, you're safe."

Xie Lian closed his eyes. "Take me home."

~

They'll probably do it in the next next chapter. HAHA. Also, sorry if the pacing is rather slow. huhu. Sometimes, it doesn't really go along as planned.