Chapter Text
It wasn’t the first time that Dan Heng had awoken in a cold sweat. His pillow drenched and his head feeling like he had one too many drinks the night before. Pain ruptured from his neck as he tried to move off his sticky pillow and check his phone for the time. A grunt left his lips, he hated this— every few nights it was the same. He didn’t even drink alcohol so the idea of waking up feeling hungover always miffed him.
4:56am.
It was always around this time too. It was an incredibly shitty time to wake up because in about an hour he’d need to get up for his shift at the bookstore. If he went back to sleep now he’d just oversleep again. The young man laid there for a moment, watching the headlights of the occasional car cast stripes of gold on his wall. There was the sound of a siren in the distance. The city didn’t sleep, and neither did Dan Heng.
He got up, unable to convince himself either way. He barely remembered the nightmare that had awoken him..like usually all he could wrack himself to recall was a flash of red, and threads of white silvery hair…
It didn’t matter. Dan Heng moved into his tiny kitchen and started making his morning tea. He had forgotten how low he was getting on his favorite blend…he made a mental note to stop by the little tea shop on his way home from work today—or maybe. He turned to the even smaller living area just past his kitchen. Two windows overlooked a cramped alleyway. If the person across the way had their blinds open, he could probably see the entire layout of that apartment.
There were still unpacked boxes. Dan Heng was used to moving. Misfortune often followed him, and if not that his anxiety often built up into a minuscule voice in the back of his head that demanded once his lease ended he’d find a better place on the other side of the city or in a different city all together. Maybe it was just a habit. The last job he had worked had closed suddenly, and the one before had a fire that had caused too much damage to the building.
He moved to one of the boxes and began to begrudgingly unpack. His book collection…He had to leave the shelves at his old apartment. He couldn’t fit them in the truck he had rented to move. Dan Heng bit his lower lip as he stacked the books up by the windows, careful to maintain the organization he wanted them to be in.
It was the little bit of order he could ensure that would always stay the same.
An hour later, tea and stretches, Dan Heng was locking up and heading out. The bookstore was a few minutes walk away. Opening shift was nice. He got in early, stocked books, and cleaned. He would only have a few hours to deal with customers before his shift was over. He didn’t hate talking to customers, but he’d rather read the jackets of books and listen to music in silence.
He stopped by a convenience store on his way, picking up a snack for lunch and a packaged pastry to eat as his breakfast. The city streets were already growing busy, Everyone else was on their way to work. Maybe their lives were a little more interesting then Dan Heng’s. Maybe they made more money or less. Maybe they had family or friends…Something Dan Heng did not have.
Not that he was pitying himself. No he felt largely better about not being a part of people’s lives. Perhaps if he was, the dark shadow that followed him would cause unneeded grief. He could act like a stoic, serious man, but he truly didn’t like seeing people in despair. He hoped most people could relate to that.
Dan Heng knocked on the door of the closed bookstore, waiting for someone to let him in. A tall man in plain clothes answered the door, letting Dan in with a little nod. Welt, the co-owner. He was a quiet man with plenty of knowledge. If Dan Heng didn’t know something about a book, Welt surely would and he was always willing to have deep conversations with his customers.
Welt offered up a small smile. “Good Morning, Dan Heng. Early again, I see. If you’re hungry, Himeko dropped off some bread from the new bakery this morning.”
Dan Heng shook his head. “Morning. No thanks, I already ate.”
Welt nodded and returned to his place behind the counter. “There’s some boxes of new releases in the back, You can start on those.” He offered another smile and Dan Heng quickly went back to the staff room where he could change into his uniform and put everything away. Sure enough there was a cute little paper box upon the table with several delicious looking baked goods from some high-class bakery. Dan Heng now regretted his choice of breakfast, but he was far too prideful to take any now after what he had told Welt. Anyway, his other co-workers could probably benefit more from the pastries. Be it Stelle or March, Dan Heng knew the two girls would probably get a good kick out of eating expensive treats free of charge.
The bookstore’s uniform was simple. A white button-up, gray slacks and a wine-colored apron with small little gold details on the pockets. The pockets came in handy for when Dan Heng wanted to take a note of a book that crossed his interest or when he was placing sale stickers on the corners of new releases. He immediately moved back into the store where there was a stack of boxes by the counter. Dan Heng with surprising strength would lift two of the boxes and move to his little sorting area near the back of the store.
Back here it was nice and quiet and Welt never protested to him putting his earbuds in as long as the store wasn’t open. He diligently worked until…Dan Heng frowned. There was a stack of magazines in this box. Typically magazines arrived on a different day…but perhaps these were specialty orders? Dan Heng observed the front of one.
Something about an actor— Dan Heng had never seen him before. Though Dan Heng typically didn’t pay much attention to celebrity gossip or tabloids and only really watched older movies. Most of his knowledge of influencers and drama was learned vicariously through his co-workers. March was always ready to gossip. He went ahead and read the caption.
“Exclusive interview with Ren, and why he won’t be returning for season four of Stellaron Hunters.”
Dan Heng looked at the man— he was pretty, if not a little scary. His dark hair framed his face mysteriously and his scarlet eyes looked…a little lifeless. A small smile curved his lips as he posed next to the motorcycle. The hairs on the back of Dan’s neck stood up.
Why did he look so familiar? Maybe they went to college together or…Dan Heng pondered.
No, there was no way. He, himself-- was far too mundane.
He put the magazine back down on the stack and lugged it over to their small magazine display near the front of the store. Welt was on the phone so Dan Heng chose not to disrupt him. Placing the magazines on the rack, making sure to arrange them just right so he wouldn’t be able to see the man’s face on the cover from any of his possible vantage points in the store throughout the day. Dan Heng didn’t feel like wondering too much into why he recognized him.
It didn’t take long for him to finish stocking all the new books from the boxes. It gave Dan Heng some time to work on some areas of the store that were a little unorganized. And, sure enough when it was time to open, Welt would gesture for Dan Heng to come to the counter for a quick five minute meeting.
“Thank you for your hard work. I see you’re working on the cook books. I was going to do that myself, but It’s been rather busy since Himeko has been running around with her other jobs.” He offered a tired look before clasping his hands together. “Anyway, I don’t really have much to say. Stelle will be in for the mid-shift in an hour so if you get busy, just let me know and I’ll come and help.”
Dan Heng nodded. Typically Welt manned the register if Stelle or March weren’t around, once one of them were here he could actually leave the book floor and do whatever paperwork he needed to do in the back. Himeko trusted him deeply with all these things despite him being relatively new to her businesses. Himeko was a strange, but kind woman. She always seemed to be neck deep in something, and Dan Heng would only see her on the rare occasion she’d rest in the breakroom for tea and cakes. Then, she’d be off again.
The store opened and a few regulars filed in. Dan Heng and Welt greeted them in their best customer service voices before they were allowed to do their other work. Dan Heng returned to the cook books where he knelt down to work on one of the lower shelves. Normally Dan Heng was incredibly aware of his surroundings, if a customer approached him he’d immediately turn his attention to them— but, for some reason someone had bested him.
He didn’t notice the tall man standing behind him until he let out a small chuckle. Dan Heng almost jumped, turning to see golden eyes and a mane of silver hair. The man offered a smile to him before his eyes wandered back towards a book on the top shelf. One of those novelty cookbooks that went along with a show or movie— In fact, it was the one for that TV show that was mentioned in the Magazine. The title aptly called: “Stellaron Hunters: A Galaxy of Delicacies.”
“Good morning, Can I help you find anything?” Dan Heng was quick to recover. He would have felt intimidated by this man if it wasn’t for his rather sleepy expression, along with the messenger bag slung across his shoulder that had a small, stuffed lion attached.
“Oh, no, I just thought that book was a little funny.” He offered a smile as he turned his amber eyes to Dan Heng. He was pretty, especially with the little beauty mark next to the corner of his eye. He was also…somewhat familiar. It wasn’t his face per-say…but it was his scent. The smell of tree sap and something toasty…like chestnuts.
Dan Heng immediately turned back to his books, adjusting his hair as he did. His customer service wasn’t amazing… he could have pressed the man if he really wanted to, asked if he could make suggestions, but Dan Heng normally treated people how he wanted to be treated and he hated being bugged by shop associates when he was just trying to browse.
“Actually, maybe you can help me.” The man spoke up once more.
Dan Heng froze and then turned back around to face the man. “Yes?”
“So, my friend's birthday is coming up. I haven't seen him for years…I guess they are throwing him some sort of…special celebration along as well. Either way, I don’t quite know what to get him.” He hummed as he looked over the books. “What would you suggest?”
Dan Heng watched him for a moment. That was vague. “Do you know the things your friend used to like?”
“Oh…ahah, that would have been helpful— Well, he used to like fencing with me.” Fencing…that was sort of a rich people’s sport. Dan Heng remained silent as the man continued: "He was always good at winning arguments…a little edgy in our youth.”
Dan Heng didn’t need to know that. That didn’t help at all. “Ah…Well, Do you think he likes blades— if he likes fencing? We have this new coffee table book about different types of swords from different places and time periods.”
“Oh, you know what, that sounds fine. Can you show me?” The man clasped his hands together, looking tiredly satisfied.
Dan Heng nodded and led him to a more popular corner of the bookstore, The coffee table books were all on display near the front of the store on the bigger bookshelves. It took some time to look for the exact book, but Dan Heng was able to find it luckily on a shelf not too high up.
“Here we go.” Dan Heng offered the heavy book over to the man and he took it happily.
“Thank you. You’re a lifesaver.” he paused for a moment. “Say…have we met before?”
Dan Heng blinked…weird, what sort of day was this? “No. I don’t think we have. I would have remembered someone like you.”
He chuckled again. “What does that mean?”
Dan Heng hadn’t realized he had said the last part out loud. “Oh, well...Without sounding rude you’re pretty impressionable.”
The tall man nodded, thumbing through the book for a moment. “You’re right. I suppose I do make an impression. Not that I try…But are you sure we haven’t met?”
The bookstore associate shook his head, pale eyes making eye contact with those golden ones. “I’m afraid not.”
“Maybe I’ve met your doppelganger then.” A curve of the man’s lips and his gaze flitted to Dan Heng’s nametag.
“Well, thank you Dan Heng. I’ll let your boss know how much you helped me. You make me want to come back again for your lovely service.” He bowed his head and turned to walk back to the counter.
Dan Heng nodded with a small smile. “Thanks.” He turned away from the man, ready to go back to his little corner of cook books.
It was then Dan Heng realized someone else was standing and watching him. Stelle was standing near a bookshelf, her expression blank as she sipped on an overly large tumbler bottle of what seemed to be a fizzy dark soda.
“Morning Stelle…It’s a little early for soda.” Dan Heng rubbed his cheek before moving to go back to where he started.
Stelle followed, clearly too early to clock in yet. “I don’t see a problem with drinking Dr. Peppy in the morning, it’s got the same amount of caffeine as a coffee.”
“But it’s also 90% more sugar.” Dan Heng added as he knelt down to collect a few cookbooks he had removed from the shelf to rearrange.
“Did you know that guy?” She ignored his last statement.
“No? He was just a customer.”
“Then why did he drop something into your apron pocket?”
Dan Heng immediately patted his pocket and sure enough, something flat had been added to its contents…what in…How did he do that? Without him noticing and Stelle somehow noticing?
“It was when you turned around just a second ago.” She moved a little closer to Dan Heng as he removed the flat object.
It was a sticker, the face of a lazy lion sticking his tongue out. What in the wildest eons? Today has been all sorts of weird.
“I think it’s safe to say he was hitting on you.” Stelle stood back and took a sip of her drink.
“I disagree. He was just confident or something.” Dan Heng turned over the sticker to see a number on it including a name: “Jing Yuan”
“Jing Yuan…why does that sound so familiar.” Stelle mused as she took another sip of soda.
“Everything is familiar today and I don’t really care anymore.” Dan Heng stuck the sticker back in his apron, but he had no intent on calling the number, It all seemed mildly creepy now.
“Hmm. I think he’s some sort of business guy…Here— wait.” Stelle walked away and returned a minute later with one of the business magazines, flipping its pages and then pointing to passage. An article about a new Securities Company, Xianzhou Alliance. It talked about how they had recently merged with a few other companies to form a full conglomerate. The name of the CEO was mentioned. “Jing Yuan— started in the military and quickly made rank among his peers. As soon as he retired he sought to create a Private Security company countries could trust.”
“Private securities— so they’re mercenaries…bodyguards?” Dan Heng commented. He was glad the store was quiet right now, or he’d feel bad about gossiping when Welt was here.
“Yeah, but fancier.” Stelle pointed at the name though. “That’s the name, Jing Yuan! Dan Heng, if a super rich guy is flirting with you, you should milk it.”
“How do I know that’s actually him—” Dan Heng was cut off as Stelle removed her phone from her pocket and immediately looked the name up, she turned her phone around and sure enough, the same man was in the photo…though his hair was shorter and he certainly looked a few years younger. Perhaps this picture was from his military days.
“Oh.” Dan Heng went back to his work. “I’m still not going to call him.”
Stelle pouted before shrugging her shoulders. “Yeah, that was weird anyway. Probably for the best.” She moved off towards the employee lounge to get ready for her shift.
The rest of the day went normally, no more ‘familiar faces’ no more ‘familiar scents’, Dan Heng was still bugged about the number in his pocket. He didn’t really care about dating, and he didn’t really know the intentions of Jing Yuan.
Either way, he wanted to go home, read and maybe go for a run to clear his head. As soon as March came in for the closing shift, Dan Heng was free to go and he bolted for the door before March and Stelle could rope him into more gossip. His head was starting to ache.
Dan Heng didn’t believe in fate.
Though fate seemed to believe in Dan Heng.
—-
Dan Heng could safely say he was friends with March and Stelle, but besides that he didn’t have a whole lot of people who regularly talked to him. He moved around so much that creating deep personal relationships was harder than the moves themselves. Like the unknown things, the misfortune that often followed Dan Heng, he was scared of growing attached to anyone outside of a few people he met in internet groups that he spoke to on occasion.
Dating was out of the question. Dan Heng barely caught on when people were flirting with him anyway. He laid upon the the antique carpet that followed him to every apartment he moved to. But along with that the smell of aged wood, the incense he would burn and the bite of laundry detergent. He was hyping himself up to continue the unpacking, to read the new book he had purchased from work at the end of his shift.
The sticker was sitting there.
The one with that CEOs number. He intended to simply throw it away, he still found the interaction rather awkward, but curiosity got the best of him. He looked at him on his phone like Stelle had earlier. Dan Heng combed through several articles talking about the man and didn’t see any scandals, no infidelity. By all records this man was nothing but another military man turned corporate shill.
Then why was he giving his number to random store clerks?
Dan Heng typed the number out on his phone, ready to send a message before it dawned on him.
What would he even say?
Woopsie poopsie it looks like you left your number in my pocket! What a fucky wucky.
Dan Heng shook his head. Maybe Stelle was alright with texting him and milking it, but Dan Heng was not.
In the end he decided he’d rather continue dwelling on other things…Perhaps a jog around the park would help clear his mind.
It was the better option, especially if Dan Heng took the scenic route. A path that led out of his apartment complex and over a bridge that went over a canal and into a small park that bordered the richer area of the city. The homes here were larger, taller and the paths were safer. But what he enjoyed the most here were the trees and gardens. The chilly autumn turned winter air — certainly the gardens were less lush at this time the orange and red trees painted the streets.
He jogged, his earbuds playing his normal tunes as the sun began to set, bringing to life all those fiery autumn colors. He didn’t pay much attention to anything but cars and the scenery. He avoided eye contact as usual and if he passed a little too close to someone, he merely excused himself. That was until he was caught off-guard: The sound of pain, Laughter. Dan Heng peered down an alleyway leading towards the shopping district. A group of young men were harassing a youth on a bike. Younger than Dan Heng, maybe fresh out of High School. He saw the smaller man get shoved and something snapped in the back of Dan Heng's head. He moved forward.
“You guys have directions to the bus stop?”
The tallest of the group of men turned, an ugly look plastered upon his face. “No, fuck off.”
Dan Heng turned to the young man with the bike, his golden eyes widening as their eyes met. He looked like he had gotten a few punches out on the guys at least but he was far too small and frail, he looked like he could easily be snapped in half.
“Oh! I Didn’t recognize you, You’d know where the bus stop is, right?”
The blonde nodded and opened his mouth to reply.
One of the other thuggish men stepped in front of Dan Heng. “He said, fuck off. This doesn’t concern you.” He raised a fist—
This is how trouble always started for Dan Heng.
WHAM, before the punch could meet his face he side-stepped and returned a quick fist to the cheek of the brute.
His two partners were up in arms now, a knife was drawn and Dan Heng immediately knew he messed up. He struggled to grapple the three men, feeling arms upon him as they tried to restrain him. Fuck—
“Should have listened to us when we told you to fuck off. Now you’re getting cut.” The leader of the trio had tackled Dan Heng to the ground after much struggle. The blonde was attempting to help but was being held in a headlock by another. Dan Heng felt the tip of the butterfly knife jab drag against his stomach between his athletic shirt.
“Having fun, boys?” A familiar voice could be heard from the end of the alleyway. The outline of a tall man could be seen holding something in his hand.
“O-oh shit!” The leader released Dan Heng and the three men, terrified and scattered like cockroaches. Running to the other end of the alleyway and disappearing. The blonde immediately fell to the ground, spluttering.
“Jing Yuan!” He managed to gasp out as he massaged his neck.
Dan Heng’s eyes widened, he looked at the figure as he came into focus.
“It seems like fate has plans for you.” Jing Yuan helped the blonde boy up first, ensuring he was alright. Dan Heng looked down. The blade had only cut his shirt, leaving a small red pinprick on his skin. He was mostly bruised from where he had hit the concrete.
“Yanqing, are you okay?” Jing Yean’s expression hardened as he helped the smaller man.
“I’m fine— If he hadn’t come I might be worse.” Yanqing moved to help up Dan Heng who was already getting up.
Dan Heng didn’t really know what to say, There was no way this was a coincidence.
Jing Yuan moved in front of Dan Heng, his height intimidating him once more. “I apologize, Yanqing always picks fights. He’s too headstrong. Are you hurt?”
Dan Heng gripped his arm where it hurt the most but shook his head. “No, I’m fine.”
Yanqing interjected. “Hey! Those fuckers tried to take my bike. Look at it! They ruined it.”
The bike did look a little dinged up but nothing beyond repair. Jing Yuan’s visible eye behind his mane of fluffy silver hair peered in its direction.
“You know I could have just bought you a new bike?” A smile curved Jing Yuan’s lips and he attempted to pat some of the dirt off Dan Heng’s arm.
“I got it.” Dan Heng recoiled. “I wish I could have done more.”
Yanqing shook his head. “Any moment later they may have beaten me! Thanks—”
“You have a nice soul, Dan Heng. I could tell when we met.”
Dan Heng’s eye widened and he immediately turned attention away from the man and Yanqing seemed to gaze between the two of them in surprise.
“You two know each other?”
“N-no, hardly. I helped him find a book today and he sorta slipped his number in my pocket...” Dan Heng again averted his gaze from Jing Yuan.
Yanqing’s expression seemed to fall into incredulity. “Jing Yuan…You’re one of the most sought after men right now…You can’t just be doing that. It’s weird! Plus!!! What would the publicists say when they hear?”
Jing Yuan let out a little chuckle and a shrug before he turned back to Dan Heng. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to come off like that. I’m a bit rusty and panicked. Let me make it up to you— will you let my staff see to your bruises?”
Dan Heng was apprehensive. Then again, this man was a public figure. It wasn’t like he could easily be a serial killer. He also felt bad for Yanqing for some strange reason. “Okay.”
—-
Twenty minutes later Dan Heng was in the kitchen of a huge brownstone townhome, where a maid was fussing over his scrapes and bruises. The pretty nasty welt in his arm was being nursed by ice.
“You didn’t hit your head or anything?” the woman asked, pushing back Dan Heng’s bangs before stepping away.
He shook his intact head and she walked back over to Yanqing who was also insisting he was fine despite a pretty nasty bruise on his neck. Jing Yuan had disappeared somewhere after calling his staff. Dan Heng couldn’t help but breathe in that familiar smell as it permeated the house. It made him feel just somewhat light-headed.
Now that he saw the inside of the man’s house…everything that Stelle had said– it all checked out. Everyone around Jing Yuan seemed kind as well. Yanqing at least seemed to have nothing but good things to say.
“How do you know Jing Yuan?” Dan Heng asked as the two of them stood in the kitchen.
“Oh? I guess he’s kinda like my god-father…mentor? After my mother passed he took me under his wing. Now I work for his company. It works out as I'm taking a break from college.” Yanqing smiled.
“Ah, so he’s like your dad.” Dan Heng adjusted this ice pack on his arm.
Yanqing nodded. “Yeah, I guess that’s a way of putting it.”
Dan Heng went into silence.
“You said you only just met Jing Yuan today?” Yanqing spoke up, his golden eyes widening.
“At the bookstore I work at, yes. Though he asked me if we met before and now I have doubts.” Dan Heng’s lower lip quivered for a brief moment. He was having second thoughts about everything that had been happening in his life.
It all felt like pieces of a puzzle were falling into place, but the puzzle was just pitch black and Dan Heng couldn’t see what was being formed.
“I kinda got that impression, he looked at you like you two were good friends at some point.” Yanqing let out a little laugh, his smile was infectious. “Well, If it’s any consultation, He may be a big CEO or something but he’s the nicest guy I know. I’d say take advantage of a few dates or something, I’d do the same if I was in your shoes.” Yanqing slapped his hands to his mouth as Dan Heng gave him a look. “S-sorry, that came out bad! W-what I’m saying is —- Do what you want actually.”
Dan Heng sighed and offered a little smile in return. “I get what you are saying. One of my friends said the same when I found the number he gave me.”
Jing Yuan walked into the room, dressed in a simpler outfit, and the maid had returned as well. Dan Heng hadn’t even noticed she had left.
“Looking fine?” The tall man asked her as he peered between Yanqing and Dan Heng.
“Yes, of course. Just some bumps and bruises. If it was anything worse I would have called for Natasha.” She wiped her brow. “But I’d say, you should report those thugs to the police.”
“I will, don’t worry…You’re dismissed.” Jing Yuan bowed his head respectfully and the maid left the room. Once she was clear of the room. “Dan Heng, Do you mind if I take you back home? Just for safety’s sake.”
Again, Dan Heng had second thoughts. He could make his way home fine, but he had an itch to speak to Jing Yuan in private. “Fine.”
Yanqing offered a wave. “It was nice meeting you, Dan Heng.”
Dan Heng returned a small smile. “Likewise.”
Jing Yuan turned and guided the way out of the Townhouse, in the opposite direction that led to a garage in the back of the house. Dan Heng remained silent as the tall man opened the door to a black SUV. In this city owning a car was rare. It wasn’t really needed between all the public transports available and most things were within walking distance.
“It'll be a short drive.” Dan Heng admitted, now having second thoughts as he sat down in the passenger side seat.
“That’s alright.” Jing Yuan walked around the car to get into the driver's seat.
Silence continued as Jing Yuan drove. Out of the garage and into the streets. Dan Heng’s apartment wasn’t that far off, especially by car. Dan Heng had told the man the location of the complex before he returned to silence.
He was debating on a lot of what he wanted to say specifically to the man.
When he parked on the street outside the building, Dan Heng nearly gave up. He was read to just leap out of the car and say nothing else to the man ever again.
But then that weird feeling in the back of his head.
“Can we talk?” Dan Heng had opened the door to the car, but stopped just shy of leaping out.
“Sure.” Jing Yuan returned a pleasant expression. “Here or…?”
“You can come up to my apartment.” Dan Heng didn’t like the eyes of nighttime walkers passing by the car staring in at them.
“Only if you are comfortable with that.” Jing Yuan parked and got out of the car. Following Dan Heng as he showed his way up to his tiny apartment.
Once inside Dan Heng stood there awkwardly. The tall, pretty man was much bigger in his home compared to brownstone. Perhaps it was the low ceilings and small windows.
“Why me?” A lame question, but it was all that left Dan Heng’s mouth.
“I’m not quite sure to be honest. I suppose it was that voice in the back of my head telling me to go for it…In the worst possible way mind you.” He canted his head to the side, those kind eyes narrowing with mirth.
“So, it was just a feeling. Did you even expect me to call that number because I wasn’t.” Dan Heng gave him a serious look.
“Yeah, I understand. Yanqing told you. I’m rusty…And I was attempting to come across in a way that wouldn’t alarm your co-workers…I suppose that backfired. I’d admit if you’d rather I walk away. I will.” Jing Yuan bowed his head.
“I…” Dan Heng pressed his hand to his mouth, his baby-blue eyes looking at anything but Jing Yuan. “Maybe we can be friends. Start by getting to know each other.”
Jing Yuan looked like the sun. “I would love that.”
Dan Heng breathed a sigh of relief. He half expected Jing Yuan to not accept the proposition to become friends but this was the most logical course of action in Dan Heng’s mind. He wasn’t about to date this man he just met, even if he did run off thugs ready to stab him— wait, what -was- in Jing Yuan’s hand when he saw him down the alley?
A gun?
Dan Heng didn’t have time to dwell on it, Jing Yuan spoke up again. “Maybe I can start with this. Will you be my plus-one to that party? The one you helped me pick up the book for. I don’t know a lot of my friends…erm friends…I’d be nice to have someone to chat with a little.”
Dan Heng pursed his lips. “I’m not really one for parties…”
He could hear Stelle’s voice in the back of head. Go for it! Milk it!
“I…sure.” The black-haired boy relented.
Jing Yuan clasped his hands together. “Perfect. I was nervous about that party. Let’s say I pick you up tomorrow at six.”
Dan Heng nodded. He didn’t know what he was worried about at first. Jing Yuan seemed like a giant, lazy Golden Retriever. But then again…he was the CEO of a large private security company, there had to be more.
They talked a little bit more before Jing Yuan left Dan Heng’s apartment. They properly exchanged numbers this time and Dan Heng felt slightly better about the day’s events.
He was tired, it was already late and he knew he’d be awoken by that same fleeting dream in the early hours soon.