Wang Yibo was a spoiled brat.

He knew that he was smart, talented, handsome, heir of the vast fortune, and he had an older brother who loved him–and spoiled him–unconditionally.

Who cares if he's also reckless, moody, and competitive as fuck, he could get away with anything anyway. With all the money their family had? No one dared to touch the Wangs. Not even the Chief of Police–who was the older Wang's brother's family friend.

Yes, they had friends in high places, places where the commoners could only imagine entering. They all came with agendas, and money.

The Wangs were a pioneer in futuristic technology, and it's only right that the spoiled second son had a lot of high end boy's toys and he mastered it all effortlessly, although also carelessly.

Fast bikes, fast cars, newest unreleased video games, bungee jumping, skydiving, skateboarding, fencing, snowboarding, skiing, martial arts, he loved all the hardcore extreme sports.

And the media loved him even more.

So, when one day he lost control of one of his newly acquired toys–a new, not yet distributed, unbranded, unmarked racing bike–and crashed it into a tree, his media entourage chased after him relentlessly. For a few words from one of Twin Jade of Gusu, would surely sell their magazines and tabloids like ice creams on summer days.

Wang Yibo–on the other hand–hated all the paparazzi.

For him they were just like sharks, circling around the smell of blood–in this particular moment, his.

He scrambled out from the now ruined bike, and after he shook his head and gained his composure, he ran away from the paparazzi. Avoiding the picture-taking vultures who had gained popularity from his antics.

He should've be more fucking careful around those fucking vultures, couldn't let Xichen found out about this… unfortunate events. Must. Hide. Now.

At first, it seemed like he was successfully hiding from them, behind a bush in a high end neighbourhood, near his apartment complex. But it seemed that his celebration was rather premature, when he spotted quite a few people with long distance tele cameras getting closer and there's nowhere else to hide, unless he's trying to barge into one of the houses and added breaking and entering charge to his long list of 'misdemeanor'.

But that was not an option, since his brother would find out immediately and he would gladly take his privilege to play with the new toys from their company.

Suddenly he spotted a beautiful black bike–a black unmarked bike, almost identical with the one he wrecked just now–and the rider was just hopping on it, fully costumed, helmet and all.

Without much thinking, he jumped behind the rider and tapped his shoulder to let him know that he had a passenger.

The rider seemed surprised, but then he looked at the incoming crowd with cameras, and looked at the man behind him, his shoulders trembling.

Wang Yibo knew instantly that this man...laughed.

For christsake.

Thankfully a few seconds later–after what seemed like an eternity for Wang Yibo– he pulled up the brake and roared away, with Wang Yibo held tight behind him.

Although he drove fast, he was steady and didn't make any unnecessary movements. Just like a pro. And Wang Yibo wondered if this man was some kind of a racer or something because he didn't slow down at all even when they were on the busy street. That much drive showed the mysterious man's skill, and Wang Yibo was dying to know more about him.

But not now. Not when those paps were chasing him and he was pretty sure that the news of his accident was already on the news–and reached his brother.

He cringed from the imaginary pain that his brother was definitely going to give him. But well…

After a few minutes–when they were near his apartment–he tapped the rider's shoulder once again, indicating that he wanted to stop. The rider swiftly pulled his bike on the side of the road, to let him off.

Wang Yibo got off, and said thanks, only to be saluted mockingly, and then the driver left without words, leaving only dust behind.

Just like that.

Wang Yibo was kind of pissed since the mysterious man didn't seem to recognize him–well, in a way it's a blessing too, since he didn't have to sign something or be forced to take a photo together like all of his other fans. But in a way too, he felt irked because the man just ignored him. Didn't he know who he was?

But then , on second thought, he thought that it was probably better this way, and he entered his penthouse, threw his jacket on the comfortable grey couch, and went straight to the bathroom. He needed to take a bath. A long hot bath to take all the fatigue away. His body just screamed of exhaustion now that he knew that he was safely home.

He prepared the bath, added some colorful bath bombs–green, his favorite color–with tint toys inside, and added some bath salt and bath whatever he got on the bathroom, and it didn't take long for the bath to smell heavenly.

He shed off his clothes and took a step into the hot bath, and groaned in joy. He knew that his body would be bruised tomorrow from all the speeding and kissing the tree, but it was worth it. The bike was awesome. Maybe he should let his brother know–or not. He was not going to rub it in his face that he… borrowed the piece of property from Wang, Inc and destroyed it in the process.

He shuddered.

Ah well, you gotta do what you gotta do. And a man couldn't be separated from his toys, especially one as exquisite as that.

He just started to enjoy his bath, when his phone suddenly beeped.

He groaned, knowing that only one person who would contact him now was his brother.

Killjoy.

He took his phone and put it on the loudspeaker, and he could hear the anger in his brother's voice.

"Office. Now."

-----

"Good God, Yibo, how many times have I told you to be careful, and then you take the new prototype bike without telling me? You will surely be the death of me.."

Wang Xichen knew about his brother's penchant for adrenaline, and he knew that he always took necessary precautions. But it didn't help to ease his worry. After all, he was his one and only brother, and because he loved him very much, he let him get away with most of his behavior.

"Xichen, you know I always be careful, look! There's no scratch on me at all! Although it can't be said for my favorite jacket, pity."

He sighed on the plushy sofa. Suddenly he remembered something.

"Xichen, do you know how many prototypes we gave away? The bike that I crashed?"

Xichen looked at him suspiciously before he answered him.

"First of all it's not 'giving away' per se, you took it out without telling anyone, giving people a heart attack, secondly, it's the first and only one prototype. Why? You want another one?"

"Yes, better brake this time, and nah just curious of who else you gave them to."

Xichen quirked his brow in question.

"This is the first time you asked about...things. Should I know more about whatever it is that seems to pique your interest?"

"Nah, don't read too much into it, so, have you finished reprimanded me? I need my coffee now, god I'm so tired of being chased by those vultures."

Xichen finally chuckled, his eyes became soft and he waved his younger brother out of his office.

"Ah, Yibo, before I forgot, Jingyi's birthday is this weekend, he demanded his favorite uncle to come."

"I am his ONLY uncle, Xichen, what a brat." Yibo chuckled and left.

-----

Xiao Zhan's only weakness was coffee.

Not the black and expensive ones, but the girly ones, with a lot of swirls and creams and milk and colors. And sugar. Damn he loved those sugary sweet candies and toppings and whatever it was they put into his drink.

He knew he was a grown ass man, but he just could not let go of the childish addiction of his. Call it… compensation from his childhood experience.

He went into the nearest small coffee shop from his house and started to customize his drink in his mind. He never ordered those from the menu, they're too plain. He wanted something incredible, something extraordinary, something that would kill an adult man with one sip from the sweetness alone.

He chuckled as he noticed that a few people around were gawking at him.

He knew that his super long glorious black mane and his all black outfit would attract attention everywhere he went, so he stood a bit far from the cashier, and when it was his turn, he ordered his customized drinks, only to earn a quick surprised glance from the cashier, a young girl.

He smiled politely at her.

This girl surely was new, because she stuttered and blushed.

But Xiao Zhan was used to it. He was so used to girls and boys and kids all stuttering and blushing when they were around him, sometimes it was pretty tiring.

"Will you drink it here or is it for someone...I mean to go..?" The girl was obviously curious, and yet he didn't want to be impolite.

"I will take it to go, I'm gonna sit and wait on the corner there, if you would be so kind as to call me when it's ready? It's Zhan."

He then proceeded to sit on the most obscured corner table, and played with his phone, black sunglasses still on.

Not long after, his drink was being delivered by the same girl, with an extra chocolate chip cookie next to it.

"Compliment from me...I mean from us.." She smiled shyly and put his order and the cookie on the table..

"Why, thank you, this is my daughter's favorite cookie, I will tell her a nice jiejie gave this to me!" He smiled widely and the girl's heart caught. He looked so… handsome. Just like a movie star or something. But before she could ask, he stood up and brought the drink and the cookie with him. He waved at the girl who was still in awe while
looking at his hair, his beautiful face, and radiant smile.

"There's a customer waiting at the cashier."

He winked.

And left.

-----

Wang Yibo was stunned.

He just walked into the nearest coffee shop from his brother's office, when he saw that...person.

He was not sure if it was a he or she because of the sunglasses, but the hair, God those long black silky hair...

He gawked for a few seconds, followed the person outside, and watched as he/she jumped on the freaking same black motorbike that saved him this morning!

He ran closer, tried to get a closer look, but the other person was faster, and in the end, Yibo was eating dust.

Again.

Yibo coughed, and then he muttered curses, and went back inside the coffee shop then he walked to the cashier.

"Do you know who that was?" He asked the cashier girl.

"No, Sir, is there any problem?"

"...No, give me a hot americano double, no, make it triple."

He then walked to one of the tables, coincidentally the same one that Zhan previously occupied.

He sat, and his eyes caught something glistening in the sofa folds. He dug it, and found out that it was a black bunny keychain with red hair tie. Since he liked bunnies too, he put it inside his pocket, and forgot about it in a few seconds.

He was in deep thought, that if the person came here, surely he should be living or working near here. And someone with that kind of hair was surely hard to be forgotten. Maybe he should ask around?

In a few minutes, the girl came with his order, and as he was about to drink, he sensed the girl was hovering.

"Yes?" He looked suspiciously at her and wondered if she wanted his signature or something.

She looked nervous, as if debating about something.

"Uh, the person you just asked about? He was sitting here, his name is Zhan, that's all I know, sorry."

She ran back to the cashier, stealing a glance on the way.

Yibo became very amused.

Was he that scary looking?

Ah well, he chuckled.

So that's HIS name.

Zhan.

Now he just had to stalk the neighborhood to find out more about him.

He sat there, satisfied, planning his next move.

-----

What kind of present to give a 5 years old bratty boy?

Wang Yibo googled the web for a while, then threw his phone on the sofa, sighed exasperatedly.

Then he remembered that he was supposed to have already bought the present last month. No, more like he told his brother's assistant–Momo– to buy it for him.

He took his phone out and dialed Momo's number to make sure that he had bought the special present, and when the other side answered, he just got right to it.

"Yo, Momo, remember the present I asked you to buy for Jingyi? You did? Thanks!"

Present's done.

Whenever Yibo wanted to go to his brother's house, he just needed to walk to Xichen's house, which was located in the same complex as his. Just a stone-throw away.

Xichen's house was built like a Japanese castle, complete with a sand garden and gazebo and koi pond.

At the front, there's a beautiful garden, adorned with a small waterfall, and beautiful pink and purple wisterias, successfully achieving a sense of tranquility. There was a path from various sized stones, surrounded by many bonsai, leading right to the front door.

Yibo went straight inside since he knew it wouldn't be locked. He went everywhere to look for the birthday boy, but couldn't find him. Instead he found Xichen, rummaging around the kitchen, looking for something.

"Xichen, where's that brat?"

Xichen looked at him exasperatedly.

"He's playing with YOUR gift, what did you think, giving a five years old baby, a real bike! Forget what I said, you didn't even think. You don't have the function to do it."

Yibo cackled.

"First of all, it's a MINI bike, specially designed for a toddler, and it has FOUR wheels, so technically not a bike."

"Bro, potayto, potahto." Xichen glared at him but he just grinned mischievously back and acted innocent.

"I'm going to play with him, how soon should we be back?"

"30 minutes before the first guests start arriving, please please don't make him tired, otherwise he won't be able to cut his cake."

"Aye, aye!"

Yibo then ran outside to find Jingyi and his new toy.

He found them, Jingyi and the nanny, and Momo, Xichen's assistant, playing around near the gazebo in a sand garden.

"Jingyiii, my favorite nephew!! Give me a hug!!"

Little Jingyi squealed when he saw his only uncle, who spoiled him incessantly, and ran toward him.

"Uncle BoBo, you ARE my only uncle!" He giggled and kissed Yibo on the cheek.

"Aww, baby, did you miss me? I miss you too..now give me a hug."

"You sassy brat, how old were you again? Fifteen?" Yibo pinched his chubby cheek.

"Five!!" Jingyi showed his hand.

"Wow, but you looked like you were fifteen!!!"

Jingyi giggled and kissed Yibo more.

"Jingyi, your father just called me, he said Jinling and Fei are waiting for you inside."

The nanny smiled at Yibo.

"He told me to ask you inside too, he wanted you to meet his friends."

Yibo groaned.

By his friends, maybe other sisters or relatives of Jingyi's friends' parents, who became increasingly annoying to him.

Maybe that's why Xichen adopted Jingyi, to escape from the incessant matchmaking by our uncle.

Maybe I should adopt, too?

Yibo gave that thought up in a second.

Well, I'm not ready to settle down, yet.

Maybe never.

He walked inside, carrying Jingyi, smelling his baby powder and baby smell.

Maybe when I found the one.

He entertained that thought for another minute, until Xichen found him.

"Jingyi, Fei and Jinling were waiting for you inside, go play with them!" He kissed Jingyi loudly.

"Okay, papa!"

Jingyi ran inside, followed by his nanny and Momo.

"Momo, the caterers are here, please take care of them, I'm going to get a drink. Or two. Or ten."

Yibo chuckled.

It was Xichen's first year of having a baby birthday party since he adopted Jingyi last year. But even though he had no clue whatsoever about the baby, he fell in love with Jingyi at first sight, and adopted him straight away. Thankfully the process of adoption went like a breeze, since Jingyi's parents, their cousins, were in fatal accidents and there was nobody else who wanted to take care of the toddler.

Their uncle of course complained. Why would a single man want to adopt a baby, without a wife to take care of them. But Xichen persisted. The boy had no one else in this world and he was not going to let him fall into the system. Not while he was there. They were a family anyway.

And that's the story of how Jingyi became one of the Wangs.

They walked into his office, where Xichen kept his stock of expensive and hard liquor.

He noticed that there was already someone inside the office, a tall man in black, standing with his back on him, browsing books from Xichen's extensive library.

And all that familiar glorious black mane.

Yibo stopped at the door.

"Ah Yibo, I want you to meet my best friend, Xiao Zhan."

He turned around, and Yibo's breath hitched.

So beautiful.

Yibo felt like his brain was shutting down, like he was deprived of oxygen, and saw a hallucination.

Unconsciously, he walked closer to Xiao Zhan, and when he's right in front of him, he stared right at him.

"What are you doing, Yibo? Do you know Zhan?" Xichen was perplexed by Yibo's strange reaction to Xiao Zhan.

Xiao Zhan also stared at Yibo back, unblinking.

They were doing the staring contest for a while until suddenly Yibo lifted his hand, and touched Xiao Zhan's chest.

"Wang Yibo!!! What the hell?" Xichen was now dumbfounded by his brother's super strange reaction to his best friend. Usually he just grunted and scoffed and left.

Now he regressed to a 5 years old kid!

"It's okay, Xichen, I think he just wants to make sure if I'm male or female," Xiao Zhan grinned. "So, have you had your confirmation? Or should I show you...other areas?" He winked at Yibo, who now seems startled at his own brashness.

"Fuck! I'm sorry!! I didn't mean to...." His face was getting all red, as he turned around and left the room, half running.

Xiao Zhan only chuckled at the younger boy's reaction to him.

"God, Xichen, your brother is very interesting! Unlike mine, who resorted to a caveman if he did not agree with me." He put the book back to its place on the bookshelf.

"Actually, it's his first time doing things like that, usually he just grunted and scoffed and acted like a caveman, just like your brother...don't know what's happening to him." Xichen poured him and Xiao Zhan each a glass of single malt scotch while shaking his head in disbelief.

"Maybe the accident got to him?"

"What accident?" Asked Zhan.

"This morning, he lost control of his prototype bike and crashed into a tree, worse, lots of paparazzi got to him and he got very pissed."

"You mean MY prototype bike? The new .03? The one that I just showed you yesterday?"

"The very same."

Xiao Zhan sighed, and grabbed the drink from Xichen and finished it in one gulp.

"Brat."

"But we love them anyway."

"True."

They sat like that for a while, when Momo opened the office door.

"Xiao Zhan, your sister is here, and the other kids have already arrived. Shall we proceed with the celebration?"

"Well, I guess me time is over, back to the chaos!" Xiao Zhan chuckled as he put his glass down, and walked outside together with Xichen.

-----

Outside, the party had already started.

Jingyi, hand in hand with a pretty Eurasian girl, whom Yibo assumed is Fei, and the other hand a scowling kid.

Yibo felt very ashamed of his rude behaviour to Xiao Zhan, but he really felt the need to...touch him. To make sure that he was… real, instead of his hallucination. He never met anyone as… ethereal as him. He was like a prince–no, princess.

But then his behaviour was inexcusable. He really should apologize properly to him, and maybe took him out for a drink–or a dinner. Or both.

And it was surprising because he never felt this way about anyone before.

He looked around the house, only to find more of Xichen's friends and colleagues, and other parents from Jingyi's class.

"Eeyy, Yibo! Long time no see! So what kind of toy did you crash this morning? Can I see?"

Nie Huaisang smacked him on the back, grinning.

"I see your info gathering is still on point, Huaisang, what are you doing here at a kid's birthday party? Don't you have something else to do?"

"Nothing more important than my god child's birthday, of course, so tell me more, Yibo, who saved you from the paparazzi? I heard you jumped into some kind of prince charming's lap and he took you away?"

"I'm starting to doubt your info gathering capability, Sangsang, besides, am I already handsome enough to save myself?"

Yibo grinned charmingly at Huaisang.

"Speaking of Prince Charming, have you seen your brother's bff? Now THAT's what I called Prince Charming, although he might be a lot more prettier than the princess...not that I'm complaining."

Huaisang pointed his fan at the entrance of Xichen's office, where he and Zhan are now exiting, and ready to face children's antics.

That hair...

"I know right, his hair's like having a soul of their own, I wonder how it feels to touch it..."

Yibo didn't realise that he spoke his thoughts out loud, only when Huaisang answered, he felt like a peeping tom.

"Don't you dare do anything to him, Nie Huaisang!"

"Oh? Yibo, do you have a fascination on...Xiao Zhan's hair? My, finally comes a day that the mighty falls..."

Huaisang cackled, and gave Yibo a side glance, only to see his face had become red all over.

"This is going to be interesting."

-----

Xiao Zhan was very much aware of the presence of THAT specific little Lion.

He chuckled.

Of course he knew straight away that he was the little gremlin that jumped on his bike this morning, and bumped into him again on the coffee shop. How could he not? He smelled so good, like jasmine, mixed with leather and sweat, it just hit him straight below the belt.

He just refused to acknowledge it.

Especially since he found out that he was the darling little brother of his best friend. One of the Twin Jade of Gusu, favorite Prince of the media.

And with that look of him? Bedroom eyes, pouty mouth, bedraggled hair, body of a Greek God, with that jeans clung to his hips seductively, not that he noticed, all screamed FUCK ME.

Nope.

He got a daughter to take care of.

But how was he supposed to avoid him altogether?

-----

Yibo was sitting on the floor, surrounded by kids.

They all loved him, with his quick smile, teasing them equally, giving them hugs and kisses, and treats.

But his heart helplessly went to little Fei.

She was a very beautiful child, with the typical Eurasian traits, big grey eyes, long, thick lashes, pink pouty mouth, chubby cheeks, long curly brunette hair, but she was very shy.

When other kids fought for his attention, Fei just stood a bit further, eyes directly to Yibo's, and she made no move to come closer, even though Yibo knew she wanted the treats.

He gestured to her to come closer, but she was still unmoved, like a statue, until Yibo came closer to her, and coaxed her to play together with her friends.

When she finally came closer to Yibo, albeit still shy, he felt like he had conquered the highest mountain, just to get her to give him that familiar shy smile, so mesmerizing.

He bet that in 10 years time, her father would have a hard time fighting the guys.

And his heart almost exploded when finally Fei sat on his lap, accepting his treats, and looked at him adoringly with her grey eyes so deep and older than her age.

"Fei, will you wait for me in ten years, and I will ask your parents for you to be my bride?"

He kissed the top of her curly hair, smelled her shampoo, some kind of fruity baby shampoo and baby powder.

"You have to ask my papa, Yibo gege.."

She giggled very sweetly into his neck.

"Oh? Where's your papa now, I will ask for your hand before the vultures take you away from me.."

"Well, we'll see in 10 years if you still want to marry her, then I will consider it seriously.."

Of course HE had to be the father...gorgeous child, gorgeous father, must be one hell of a mother...

"Papa! Uncle Yibo wants to ask you something!"

The little girl now ran to her gorgeous papa, who kissed her and gave her a hug.

"Baby, have you eaten? Go play with your aunt and Jinling, I think Jingyi is looking for you."

Xiao Zhan nuzzled Fei's neck and patted her on her bottom playfully. Fei ran away giggling to her friend.

"Wang Yibo, courting a little lamb now, don't you have enough mature, marriageable age ladies on your fingertips?" Xiao Zhan chuckled at the reddening of Yibo's ear.

"Xiao Zhan!"

Yibo suddenly stood up and got closer to him.

"I am sorry for my...immature behaviour just now, I promise I won't do it again!"

Look at him, so gorgeous, even with a flushed face like that....damn Xiao Zhan, get a grip!

"Ah, Yibo, no need to say sorry between friends, it's all behind us now, don't you think?" Xiao Zhan flashed him his potent smile, capable of melting icebergs from thousands of miles away.

Damn, like father, like daughter, how would he suppose to survive all THAT?

"Zhan ge, will you let me treat you for a drink or lunch .... or dinner sometimes? Ah..to apologize.."

Yibo suddenly feels so shy around the older, beautiful man and he was fidgeting all around, amusing Xiao Zhan.

Maybe it's because Yibo suddenly called him Zhan ge, or maybe he was anticipating this, he delightfully answered..

"Yes"

...before his brain could protest and switch the safety precaution on.

Yibo's eyes lit up at Zhan's answer.

"I will let you know the date and time later, Zhan ge.."

He gave Xiao Zhan that delightful, sinful smile, and left to play with the kids.

Oh, Lord, what had he done?

-----

He suddenly felt it.

It started from the tip of his fingers, slowly crawling upward. That's when he knew he had to calm himself.

He rushed to the sand garden. Thankfully no one's outside. He then sat on the wooden floor of the gazebo, and started to meditate.

Breathe in...breathe out...

After a while, he could feel that someone was standing near him. He opened his eyes to see a familiar figure.

"Wen Qing..." He smiled at the familiar figure.

"Xiao Zhan... how do you feel?"

She touched his hand lightly, feeling his pulse.

"It's fine now, I just got a bit ...excited..."

She nodded. Understood perfectly what caused the man to have this attack. She had seen everything.

"Kids can be a little...overwhelming, yeah?"

He chuckled.

"You have no idea, Qing."

She patted his hand fondly.

"Let me stay with you for a while."

He nodded, thankful for his friend's presence.

Meanwhile...

Yibo couldn't take his eyes off Xiao Zhan, so when he suddenly ran outside, he was surprised and wanted to follow him, when he noticed a pretty lady had already done so.

He saw how the woman touched his hand intimately, and how Xiao Zhan looked at her softly, and he felt a sudden pang of jealousy in his stomach.

"Drinking vinegar, Yibo?"

Nie Huaisang suddenly appeared beside him.

"What are you talking about?"

But Nie Huaisang only looked at him, then to the gazebo, and smirked.

-----

"Let me introduce you to the rest of the people here, Cheng, this is Yibo, Xichen's little brother, and Yibo, this is Cheng, Xiao Zhan's little brother. And this is Yanli, his jiejie, Jinling's mother. Her husband is Jin Zixuan, your brother's business partner."

"And these two twins, my nephews, Yuan, Zizhen, say hi to uncle Yibo!"

"Hi, uncle Yibo..!"

They both talked simultaneously, making them super adorable.

Yibo loved kids, and kids loved him, since he was practically a kid too, no matter how old he was going to be, he had that air of innocence and purity, making anyone around him tolerate him more than they should, thus, the spoiled brat, who's being loved by many.

But loved nobody.

He was charming enough to make others eat out of his hand, but cold enough to maintain the distance.

He knew that everyone's got their own agenda, especially with him being the heir of Wang's fortune.

The King

How appropriate their family name is.

-----

"Mamaa!"

The babies suddenly jumped out of his hands and ran toward their mother, the lady who held Xiao Zhan's hand.

Yibo stood up, and found himself face to face with Xiao Zhan.

His breath hitched, and he took a few steps backward, bumping into Huaisang.

"Yibo, meet my sister-in-law, Dr. Wen Qing, the twins' mama."

-----

Oh...

OH.

So she is Mingjue's wife.

Yibo felt relieved knowing that the pretty lady was not Xiao Zhan's.... Xiao Zhan's what?

Why should he care anyway?

He's confused with the flurry of mixed emotion that's happening to him. And finally he did the only thing he could think of.

He punched Xiao Zhan's arm. Lightly, but still...

Xiao Zhan's eyebrow lifted in surprise.

"Yes, Yibo? Can I help you with something?"

But Yibo just did a typical Yibo now, grunted, and left.

"Just leave him be, Zhan-xiong, he's what you called...constipated, now, should we get something to eat?"

Huaisang took Yuan while Qing took Zizhen, and they went into the living room.

The party went on smoothly, no big accidents, only small ones. When you have more than 3 kids in one room, accidents tend to happen anyway.

"Xiao Zhan, how are you?"

Nie Mingjue approached him, gave him a glass of what looked like a unicorn punch.

"I know you like your shit, the girly drinks," he grinned.

"Now, now Mingjue, didn't know that you care.." Zhan chuckled and drank the sweet concoction.

"Seriously, Zhan, how have you been? Any...security breach?"

Nie Mingjue provided security in all kinds of forms, from electronics to the human counterpart. He insisted Xiao Zhan to upgrade all his gadgets and even provided him with a bodyguard when he first...escaped.

"Not so far, but I will let you know if anything happens, it's been a while since... you know."

"Never let your guard down." He patted Zhan's arm, just like his wife did a few moments ago.

"Thank you, Mingjue, and to Qing too, I don't know what would've happened without you guys."

"That's what family is for. Now where is your little girl? I want to see her!"

-----

Xiao Zhan is thankful, because he knew Xichen only invited their closest friend. He knew that they could not risk...exposure.

He chuckled.

He feels like  a fugitive. Well, in a way he is one. Although not from law.

Silver linings.

He is grateful for his loyal friends' unwavering support. Without them, he doubts he could survive. But most of all, he is very grateful for his daughter.

Fei.

The most beautiful, caring, sensitive child. He never knew he could love someone that much, it feels like his heart's going to burst.

His own flesh and blood.

And he will never let anything happen to her.

-----

"Xichen, thanks again for having us."

Xiao Zhan, carrying sleepy Fei, prepared to go home.

"Ah, Zhan, it's no problem, you know we all loved you and Fei. By the way, come to the office tomorrow, we'll talk about...you know."

Xichen grinned widely.

Knowing what he meant, Xiao Zhan winced.

Behind them, Yibo's ears perked.

Hmm..maybe I will go to the office, too, once in a while.

And then he skipjumped to the back of the house, feeling strangely satisfied.

-----

Yibo walked into Xichen's office, and he timed it pretty well, so that Xiao Zhan was already there. They both were surprised to see him there, since he never once went to the office without Xichen telling him to.

"Yibo? Are you okay?" Xichen lifted his brow.

"Hey ge, nah nothing, I was just in the neighborhood and had this urge to see my brother." He sat on the sofa.

"Hey, Zhan ge, nice seeing you, what were you doing here?"

Xichen eyed him suspiciously, but finally shrugged.

"He worked here, didn't you know? In fact, he's the designer of the bike prototype that someone crashed yesterday."

Yibo's jaw dropped.

"Really? Wow Zhan ge, you're so smart!! Anyway, I have a few inputs if you don't mind hearing it, after all, I'm the one who's gonna use it, right?"

Xiao Zhan couldn't help but laugh, the childlike glee from this...creature is so intoxicating.

"Yibo, of course I don't mind. In fact, I'm on my way to the test lab right now, if you want to join me."

"Behave, Yibo." Warned Xichen, only to earn a wave.

They both walked to the elevator, to the  underground test lab for the new bike prototype. After Xiao Zhan swiped his ID card at the door, they both walked inside a warehouse type of lab, with a lot of fake walls, human dolls, hydraulic, and every tool under the sun. On one wall, there's rows of computers behind the glass wall, every one of them has a specific function, to monitor a specific part of the prototype.

"The new v.03, the one that you crashed yesterday," Xiao Zhan gave Yibo a stink eye. "It is still in development, we want to integrate some A.I program in it, to help if someone loses control, or in an accident, or decides to crash a tree..."

"I get it, I get it, Zhan ge, I'm sorry...!!"

"Well, you should be! When my assistant told me that someone took the prototype bike, I almost had a heart attack! We haven't integrated the A.I program yet, that's why the brake was not that responsive, you're lucky you got away without a scratch!"

Yibo only eyed Xiao Zhan sheepishly.

"Anyway, I want you to try the v.02b, it's actually a step smarter than mine and it's already been integrated with the basic A.I."

He walked inside the glass wall, and typed something on one of the computers. Then he looked at Yibo critically.

"I need you to strip."

Yibo's brain short circuited.

"You need me to what?"

"Strip. Need to put these electrodes on you." He showed Yibo a bunch of small nodes in his hand.

"This will record your vital stats and your muscle movement, and detect any anomaly when you test the bike."

Yibo stripped to his underpants, and earned an appreciative once over from Xiao Zhan, and then he put the nodes on his temples, chest, arms, thigh, and neck. He then clicked on the tablet, and rechecked a few nodes on the chest.

God, his hand is so elegant, with those long, small fingers, wonder how it feels to be scratched by it...

"...on the corner."

"I'm sorry, what?" Yibo lost his concentration because of the fingers on his chest and all over his body.

Xiao Zhan looked at him.

"I said, you can change into the gears in the change room on the corner, are you okay Yibo? Your face is flushed all over." He came closer and touched Yibo's forehead.

"I'm fine! I will change now!" He stumbled to the change room, earning a smile from Xiao Zhan.

There were 5 prototypes being tested, from motorbike, to sports cars, to some kind of hybrid cars, when they entered the test area, Yibo in full protective gear.

"First, I want to test the speed on this hydraulic system. After that we will test your driving skill."

Xiao Zhan signaled one of the assistants.

"I will be here, you can talk to me anytime with the com inside the helmet."

Yibo nodded and climbed to the big black bike.
He started the engine, and throttled the bike.

Xiao Zhan had to admit that this gremlin knew his way with the bike. He observed everything, and he was impressed. A bit rough here and there, but with some proper guidance, he could be a great professional racer, if he put his mind into it.

"Ok, Yibo, could you please push harder? Take a big turn, then a sharper one."

Yibo gave a thumb, and started to turn.

After a while, Xiao Zhan signaled Yibo to come back.

He then walked into the glass partition, and wrote down some data into the computer.

"So, how did I do?"

Yibo entered, and suddenly Xiao Zhan was assaulted by Yibo's scent, the jasmine, mixed with leather and sweat, and definitely his pheromone. He gulped rather loudly. Then shake his head to clear it.

"You did very well, Yibo, you want to see? We recorded everything."

He moved aside to give Yibo a peek at the recording.

Yibo sat really close to Xiao Zhan, his neck almost to Zhan's face, making him dizzy with all the scents.

God, I can almost taste him...

Suddenly there's a loud shout from the test area, and when he lifts his eyes, there's an out of control car, going forward to their position without any sign of stopping.

Yibo's in dazed, but before he could do anything, the car smashed the glass partition just inches from their position.

He closed his eyes, and waited for the pain to come, but...nothing.

He opened his eyes, and saw...

"Zhan ge, hey, hey, are you okay?"

Xiao Zhan's body was protecting him from all the glass, his hair loose, and his face only inches from him.

How come he smells so good, with all the hair, and...

"Zhan ge! You're bleeding!"

Yibo grabbed Zhan's arm, there's a big gash there and a glass protruded from it.

"I'm fine, how about you? Are you okay?" He checked Yibo's face and body.

"I'm fine! The suit protected me! Zhan ge, you're bleeding! There's a big glass in your arm! Come, we need to go to the hospital!"

But Xiao Zhan grabbed him.

"No hospital. It's just an artificial wound, see?" He pulled out the glass, and showed Yibo.

There's only a minor wound there.

"Nothing a band aid can't fix."

Yibo's jaw dropped. He swore he saw it bleeding profusely just now, but...did his eyes play a trick on him?

"Come, let's get a drink you promised me, we're done for today anyway, just let me shed the lab coat and take care of this, then we're good to go."

-----

Yibo followed Xiao Zhan upstairs, and they walked outside. There's a line of stores and cafes on the street right beside the Wang Headquarter, and they walk leisurely, browsing the stores and cafes.

"So, I'm kinda starving, you mind if we're getting lunch as well?" Xiao Zhan asked Yibo, and the latter nodded.

"Do you have any preference? I'm not fussy, I could eat anything." Zhan smiled.

"I'm not fussy either, do you want to try the new japanese fusion restaurant? It's just a couple blocks over there."

"Sure, I could use the walk."

They both then walked in comfortable silence.

Yibo didn't understand why he could not take his eyes off Xiao Zhan. He never really gave any attention to any female or male alike, he just thought that they're all annoying, spoiled, talked too much, and he preferred to be alone with his toys. He stole a glance here and there, watching Zhan's expressions, how he seemed very confident in himself, how he did not realize that people looked at him in awe, his beautiful hair dancing in the wind, an angel in black.

And when a child ran to him to give him a flower, he laughed and lowered himself to thank the child.

"So, does that happen often?" Yibo pointed at the flower.

"Quite often actually, the kids thought that I'm some kind of princess, would you believe that.." Xiao Zhan laughed, his eyes twinkling.

"I also thought that you were a princess too, remember?" Yibo sheepishly reminded him.

"Ah, yes," he chuckled, "Maybe it's the hair?"

"Why the long hair? I mean, not to be nosy or anything.."

"It's fine, Yibo, I don't mind, it's nothing actually, I just like long hair, might cut it one day though.."

"Please don't!" Yibo grabbed Xiao Zhan's arm, pulled him closer, then after he realized what he's doing, he retracted his hold.

"I'm sorry, I mean, please don't cut it, you're so beautiful...I mean your hair is so beautiful.."

I might as well shoved my foot into my mouth.

Xiao Zhan looked at him with amusement in his eyes.

"Well, since you liked it so much..." he put his arm around Yibo's shoulder and started to walk.

They found the restaurant, and ordered a couple dishes to be shared, since neither of them could eat too much.

They found out that they actually had a lot in common, bike for example, food, they both enjoyed food and will travel to try new things. They also enjoyed quiet time at home, Yibo's playing with his legos or games, Xiao Zhan's cooking and spending time with Fei.

It's actually the first time for Yibo to feel comfortable talking this long with anyone, including his brother. He never says more than a few words at a time, earning him the title of Ice Prince.

It's not that he's conceited, just slow to warm to people, and he's actually really shy, not that he'd admit it. He'd rather eat shit than admit to that. But somehow, Xiao Zhan's warmth and charm coaxed him to open up bit by bit, by the way he listened tentatively, asked the right questions, laughed at his dark humor, and teased him relentlessly.

Xiao Zhan treated him like an ordinary person.

Not an heir, not a spoiled brat, not a media darling, not the Ice Prince, but as Wang Yibo, the shy young man who has so much love to give.

"Well, look at the time, I need to pick up Fei from her school, I assume you have somewhere to go? Please don't let this old man prevent you from having fun!"

"You're not old, and I was having so much fun with you, Zhan ge, can we do this again? Soon? I want to talk with you, and to help you with the bike, among other...things."

Yibo suddenly looked very young, and lonely, causing Xiao Zhan's heart ache.

"Yibo, I will wait for you tomorrow at the test lab, you should not think about abandoning me after all the ruckus you caused!" He squeezed Yibo's hand.

"And anytime you want to talk, or eat, or anything, I will always welcome you..." his eyes softened.

Yibo felt the tug in his heart, and a sudden blur of his eyes, and he pulled his hand from Zhan's hold.

"Thanks..? I will go now, take care, oh and say hi to Fei for me!" He turned his back to Xiao Zhan and started to walk, when he heard Xiao Zhan called him.

"Yibo, do you want to pick Fei up, together? We could get ice cream afterwards..."

Yibo stopped, and looked at Xiao Zhan.

After a long pause, he said, "I'll have the Bailey's flavor, and caramel swirl, please." His face was stoic.

Xiao Zhan chuckled.

"Come on, I'll buy you anything you want."

-----

They both choose to walk to Fei's school, which happened to be Jingyi's school too.
Jingyi's nanny looked surprised, seeing Yibo there, together with Xiao Zhan, but she said nothing.

The other parents said polite greetings to Xiao Zhan and eyeing Yibo suspiciously, given his outfit today, a heavily ripped jeans that's been used and washed couple hundred times so the color was unrecognizable, a white distressed heavy metal band t-shirt, aviator sunglasses, and fancy white sneakers. He looked like a movie star, without trying too hard.
Xiao Zhan was in his usual black ripped jeans, black long t-shirt, and a black ball cap with sunglasses, his hair half tied as usual. With his tall and skinny posture, he looked like a model rather than a nerd.

They got there a few minutes before the bells. When the bells rang, the kids walked outside, walked, not ran, to their respective parents or nanny. The education of private school...tch.

"Uncle Yibooo!!!" Jingyi called him very loudly and jumped into his arms. "You come here to pick me up?" He kisses Yibo's cheek.

"Eh, no, I came to pick up my future bride, Feifei, why should I pick you up?" Yibo nuzzled Jingyi's neck.

"Eekkkk that tickles!! You're a meanieeee, Fei is going to be MY bride! You're too old for her, uncle!" Jingyi held Yibo's cheeks and pouted.

"What? So we're going to compete for Feifei then! Come, you have to drink a lot of milk so you can be taller than me!!" He then looked over to Jingyi's nanny.

"Would you mind calling Xichen and asking him if I could take Jingyi to eat ice cream with Fei and her father?."
Then he tickled Jingyi again.

"You want to have ice cream with me and Fei and her papa?"

"Mmm...like a double date?"

Xiao Zhan, who carried Fei, chuckled.

"Where did you learn those adult words, Jingyi?"

"I heard from Zizhen and Yuan that their parents will go on a double date with Jinling's parents."

"Mr. Xichen said that it's okay, but no more than one scoop each for Jingyi and also you, otherwise you're going to get sugar high and he doesn't want to bail you out from jail again." The nanny grinned. "That's his exact words."

Yibo groaned.

"That's soo embarrassing! By the way I've NEVER been in jail...well unless you count that one time..." he smiled sheepishly at Xiao Zhan, remembering that one time he's been drunk with Seungyoun and Wenhan and take a pee outside an elderly couple's window, put a shock to the wife, who called 911 immediately, and he's being held for 12 hours at the county jail for indecent exposure. And Xichen only bailed him out after 12 hours had passed, that asshole of a brother, Yibo was pretty sure Xichen left him there to suffer the withdrawal from his hangover first. Well at least the elderly woman has already enjoyed the view of his...manhood. He chuckled.

Xiao Zhan guffawed, making Fei look at him in surprise since she never saw her papa laugh that hard.

"Don't worry, I'll bail you if the need arises..."

They then walked to the nearest ice cream joint, which is only another block from the school. True to his words, Yibo picked Baileys and Caramel Swirl, forgetting his one scoop promise to his brother, Jingyi picked Strawberry, Fei picked Vanilla Mint, and Xiao Zhan chose the Unicorn flavor.

"This is the third time you picked unicorn colored drinks, you sure like your fancy girly drink huh?" Yibo grinned at Xiao Zhan.

"I don't know that you're counting, Yibo, well, this will make it easier for you to bribe me later. I'm super weak with these colorful sweet girly drinks, my only weakness really...besides Feifei of course." Xiao Zhan nuzzled Fei's neck. "I don't know how the baby powder and baby sweat could smell so good...maybe I really need to test it someday and bottle it, surely we're gonna be rich, ha!"

"You smell really good too, Zhan ge." Yibo's eyes softened when he saw how Xiao Zhan loved his daughter, not fully realizing the words that came out from his mouth.

"I mean..your perfume smells really nice, what was it?" He nervously tried to save himself from his slip of words.

Xiao Zhan looked at him, eyes twinkling, before he answered, "I did not wear perfume."

Ohmygod..

Yibo mentally slapped himself for saying whatever's on his mind without a filter.

God, I acted like a lovesick teenager.

Xiao Zhan could feel Yibo's distressed, so he ruffled his hair, messing with the perfection.

"Fei asked for dumplings tonight, you want to come over and help Fei make dumplings? Jingyi could come too if he wants."

"You mean...you're making dumplings? From scratch?"

Yibo looked at Xiao Zhan in awe.

What can't this man do? He's so amazing!

"Yes, we always made them from scratch, it's a bit troublesome, but really worth the effort."

"I want to come make dumplings with Fei, pleaseeee, pleaseeeee." Jingyi pleads to his uncle, and finally his nanny called Xichen again.

"Mr. Xichen said okay if we go with Mr. Xiao, he will join you a bit later."

"Alright, let's go shopping then!"

They went into the chain supermarket, and filled 2 large baskets with dumplings ingredients, such as pork and veal mince, flour, eggs, spring onions, cabbage, tofu, and healthy treats for the children. Also not so healthy treats for the grown ups, beer, milk, large pint of ice cream (Yibo's choice), miso and seaweed for miso soup.

"Eww tofu, who liked tofu?" Yibo scrunched his nose up.

"It's very healthy and high in protein, some of us can't afford to eat unhealthy food all the time, you know, age and all." Xiao Zhan flicked Yibo's nose.

"But you're still young Zhan ge! Not a day older than 25 years old!"

Fei and Jingyi giggled seeing the adults become so playful like kids.

Xiao Zhan only shakes his head in desperation.

"I think this is enough ingredients to feed the whole army, let's go home guys!"

-----

Xiao Zhan lived in a quaint little cottage, inside the gated complex, actually it's the house that Yibo stopped by after his accident, where he jumped Xiao Zhan's bike.
It had 3 rooms, a big backyard, and a rustic homey feeling to it. But Yibo could spot a very sophisticated and discreet security measurement, just like the one they used on Xichen's house. Hmmm, interesting.

They came inside and started preparing to cook. The babies were watching a children's program on tv, babbling baby's language.

Xiao Zhan washed his hands and told Yibo to do the same, after he put the beers and ice creams inside the fridge. He then proceeds to cut the vegetables and mix it with the minced meat. Then he mixed the flour with water, and told Yibo to knead it, while he prepared the miso soup and cooked rice.

This is the first time ever for Yibo to knead, hell, to even step his foot inside a real kitchen. He usually just eats out or orders takeaway or eating at his brother's house. Strangely, he felt happy, just mixing flour and water with his hands, kneading it until smooth.

"You got flour all over you.."

Xiao Zhan touched Yibo's nose, his eyes twinkling.

"I never knew that cooking is this much fun!" Yibo laughed, making his eyes look like a half moon. "Can you teach me how to cook? I'm kinda bored eating out everyday.." he looked like a 5 years old pouting child.

"Only if you promise to eat more healthily." Xiao Zhan laughed at him.

Before Yibo could answer though, the doorbell rang.

Xiao Zhan clicked on the intercom on the corner of the kitchen, and it showed Yanli and Jinling outside. He walked out to open the door for them.

"Hello, Jie, Jinling, a bit early for dumpling night isn't it?" He kissed Yanli and Jinling. "There's Jingyi inside, go play with them."

"Yes, we're early cause I heard from Xichen that Jingyi's here, and Jinling wants to come play, is Cheng here yet?" She came inside and stopped.

"Yibo, you're here, too." She smiled.

Yibo, in the middle of kneading the dough, nodded to Yanli and continued what he was doing.

"Wang Yibo, kneading dough in my brother's house, got to have proof!" She laughed and pulled out her phone, and snapped some pictures, and sent it to Xichen and Xiao Zhan.

"Is Zixuan coming?"

"Yes, he'll be here soon, just call me a few minutes ago."

At the exact time, the doorbell rang again.

"I'll get it, go make some dumplings!" Yanli went to the door.

It was Cheng, bringing 2 bottles of wine.

"Jie, Zhan...Yibo." he nodded his head. Even Though they both are the same age, they don't run in the same circles. Cheng is more serious, while Yibo is more reckless.

"Was it always like this everyday? Cooking and eating together with your family?" asked Yibo to Xiao Zhan, amazed at the amount of noise they produced.

"This is actually the quieter night," he chuckled, "I think it's done, here let me teach you how to cut it. I think I got a circular cookie cutter here somewhere..." Xiao Zhan kneeled, and opened the lower kitchen cabinet.

His butt is so nicely shaped...goddamn it, Yibo, focus! He mentally slapped himself again for the nth time today. I really need to get a reality check soon, Xiao Zhan is a ...guy, a beautiful guy nonetheless...wait, am I gay? I never interested in anyone before, so, how do I know?

"...here, you can use this," Xiao Zhan put a few circular cookie cutters on the table, and taught Yibo how to use it. "You have to flatten the dough first at about 2mm, use this rolling pin, about this thick, and you cut it, using this."

Yibo nodded and continued rolling the dough, flattened it, and cut it into dumpling skins. Xiao Zhan filled it to the brim, sealed it very quickly, after that he put a large flat iron cast pan on the stove, lightly oiled it, and turned the knob to high. After the oil's hot, he put dumpling pieces inside and waited for 2 minutes and added water, then closed the pan.

"We're gonna make the Japanese version of the dumpling, it's less oil and healthier." Xiao Zhan explained.

After a few minutes, the water has evaporated and he put sesame oil, frying the dumpling until the bottoms are crispy, and expertly flipped it into a big flat plate, and the dumplings slid out beautifully, revealing a golden bottom.

"God, it smells so good...!" Yibo picked one of the dumplings. "Ahh, it's hot!" He put it into his mouth whole, and felt his tongue burn.

"You really are a 5 years old in an adult body!" Xiao Zhan laughed, but he helped Yibo blow into his mouth.

And that's the view Xichen sees when he enters the kitchen.

His jaw dropped.

Yibo never, and he meant NEVER do things like that in front of practically a stranger. It's his best friend, true, but Yibo only met him yesterday...or was he?

Xichen looked at them again, laughing together happily, crinkles in Yibo's eyes. Even his best friend, who's usually a distant guy, can smile like that.

It's like they're...flirting

He smiled.

Ah.

"Is it done yet papaaaaa?" Fei ran into the kitchen, hugging Xiao Zhan's leg, "I'm hungryyyyy..."

"Almost done baby, go get everybody here, we're going to eat together in the kitchen, ah Xichen, do me a favor please? There's two  bottles of wine, would you mind opening it? Thanks!" Xiao Zhan then gets out the plates and bowls for rice and soup.

"These are really good, Zhan ge! Better than the ones at the famous Japanese restaurant I ate last time!" Yibo took another serving of dumplings and miso soup.

"Xianxian is really good at cooking, you should try his pork ribs and lotus soup!" Yanli winked at Xiao Zhan.

"Ah Jie, it could not be compared with yours! How about next week you make that? And we can all eat the famous pork ribs and lotus soup made by our jiejie!"

All the people around the table muttered their agreement.

"So, next week is pork ribs soup then!"

After they ate a lot, the kids started to yawn, and the adults excused themselves to go back home. Leaving Xiao Zhan and Yibo.

"I'll help you clean Zhan ge, you should go take Fei to bed, look, she's already half asleep."

"Thanks, I'll be back soon."

Yibo cleaned the table, and not long after, Xiao Zhan's out and helped him put the leftovers on the container.

"She's out like a candle, too much excitement today...you want wine? There's still some more left."

Yibo nodded.

He poured 2 glasses and gave one to Yibo, and he sat on the comfy sofa.

"Thank you Zhan ge, for allowing me to be here today, I never felt so happy!"

"Ah Yibo, no need to say thanks and sorry between friends, and you're family anyway." Xiao Zhan flashed his megawatt smile, making Yibo's stomach splutter like there's a thousand butterflies inside.

"Mmm, Zhan ge, it's late, I'll be out of your hair now, I know you must be tired. I will see you tomorrow? At the lab?"

Xiao Zhan looked at him for a long time, then nodded.

"Be careful, Yibo, and yes I will see you tomorrow, thanks for your help.."

Yibo smiled, and he left.

And suddenly feeling lonely.

-----

Yibo walked outside, and immediately felt the vibration of his phone. He forgot to check his phone since this morning, and now see more than a hundred notifications, mostly from his friends, Seungyoun, Wenhan, Sungjoo, Yixuan, and Cheng Xiao, asked him to meet up at their usual hangout place, a high end club on top of a high rise building.

He planned to go home, have a long bath, maybe jerking off, and sleep, but suddenly an idea popped out of his head, and he replied to his friends that he will be there ASAP.

Yibo arrived at the club, walked straight to the VIP section, where his friends were already half drunk, playing strip poker. Cheng Xiao, the only girl, was apparently the winner, since she's the one who had all her clothes intact, the others were in various states of nudity. She's playing Wenhan now.

"Ayyy, Yibo!! Come, it's your turn now! She's unbeatable! No fun at all!" Sungjoo, no shirt, dragged him to the sofa, and gave him a drink.

"Where have you been? I tried to call you many times and you're not picking up, were you in another flagrante delicto? Without us?" Seungyoun smacked his back.

"The hell dude, it's called peeing, not like I'm having sex in public or whatever.."

"Anyway, where've you been? Are you okay?" Yixuan asked him, and sat near Yibo.

"I'm fine, just spending time with...a friend." His ear reddened. He gulped his drink.

"Guys, I want to ask you something." Yibo turned to Yixuan, and the others, eyes serious.

"You know you can talk to us about everything, right? Do you want to go somewhere quiet?"

"Nah, here is fine. Guys, am I gay?"

Yixuan dropped his glass. Sungjoo and Seungyoun dropped their jaws. While Chengxiao giggled and slapped Wenhan.

"My God, Yibo! What kind of question is that?" Yixuan laughed, but then stopped because Yibo looked serious.

"Seriously? You're asking us that?" He looked at Yibo seriously this time. "What makes you ask about your sexuality, baby? Are you attracted to someone? A male?"

"Awwww baby Yibo's in love..." teased Sungjoo, hugging him.

"Nooo, I mean, ... I don't know if it's love, it's just, yesterday I met..someone...older, and he's super beautiful, long black hair, but not in a girly way, he's....kind, and very patient, and I can talk with him for hours! I just came back from his house actually...we made dumplings from scratch..!"

"Oh? Dinner date at home already? That fast, baby?" Asked Wenhan.

"...No,...ahhhh, it's complicated... he's Xichen's best friend, and he had a little girl, who's in the same school as my nephew. He's also the designer of the bike prototype I crashed yesterday. And then I asked him out for a drink, to apologize..."

Yibo's rambling, and his friends looked at each other, rather surprised. Yibo never showed interest in anyone before. Male or female.

"Baby... you are so gay for him. Please do tell us more, details details.."

"If you're still not sure that you're gay, I can guarantee that you are 100% gay, Bobo" Cheng Xiao smirked.

"What makes you say that?"

"You see this hot body? Every healthy normal male within this coast, wanted to fuck me, or at least pictured me naked, but not you. Not even once." She ruffled Yibo's hair. "That's why I liked hanging out with you guys."

"Well, thank YOU!" Yibo threw a pillow at her.

"Hey, it's the truth! Now tell us more! Who is this super cool guy, who could put up with our incorrigible, stubborn, spoiled baby? Tell us!" Cheng Xiao sat beside Yibo and started to pour drinks.

Yibo accepted the drink, and started to think about Xiao Zhan, with a dreamy look in his eyes.

"He has a very beautiful face, a calming voice, patience for my...incorrigible ways, as you put it so nicely," he poked Cheng Xiao.

"He talked to me like I'm just a normal person, he also has a sexy mole under his lips, and his butt is so... perky, I thought about grabbing it when he was bending down, too bad there's kids everywhere, and he had the most beautiful long hair, like Disney princess, and he loved a disgusting girly drink..."

Yibo's friend looked at each other.

"Definitely gay..."

They all spent the rest of the night grilling Yibo about Xiao Zhan, and Yibo gladly told them, after all, they're like family, and they knew each other since they were babies.

I'm so lucky to have them in my life, and now I'm lucky to have met Xiao Zhan and Fei.

-----

Xiao Zhan was enjoying the last of the wine, thinking about the day, when he felt a pinch on his back and remembered about his wound. He stood up, pulled off his shirt, and revealed a new scar, courtesy of the big shard of the glass that fortunately Yibo did not see puncturing his back, thanks to his black shirt. And as he watched, the scar slowly mend itself, with many microscopic ripples moving under the skin.

He checked again a few minutes later, and it looks like there was never a wound there.

-----