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Chapter Text

“Fuck… I should have turned him down….”

As if Dan Heng had the audacity to reject the customer’s request, especially when it was from a bratty rich kid whose feet propped up the table, legs crossed in arrogance, a cup of liquor in his hand and the other with an e-cigarette. He could barely get by with the minimum wage as a part time bartender in this metropolitan city. Entertaining the customers’ absurd requests was the last thing he wanted.

Perhaps taking two shots of liquor without lining his stomach was a bad idea. 

Dan Heng held out his hand to the coarse wall to support his unsteady legs, his mind muddled by intoxication. He rubbed his eyes with his free hand, the exhaustion of staying up for more than 15 hours had caught up to him as he sighed quietly. He cursed for his weak resistance to reject anyone. Drinking while working was against the policy yet that rich kid still managed to find a loophole in this policy as he shoved two shots in front of Dan Hneg once he got off his shift. Not wanting to kill the vibe, he gulped down the shots while the rich kid and his friends egged him on. 

It was already past midnight with no one except him still lingering outside, accompanied by the occasional buzzing sound of the streetlight and the rustling of plastic bags blown by the chilly wind. The cold breeze that brushed against him was in stark contrast to his hot flushed face, fingertips quivering in the cold despite feeling warmer than usual. The empty alley was no stranger to Dan Heng, the only shortcut he had been passing through for the last three years since he moved back from overseas. At first glance, it definitely didn’t look safe to walk down alone especially when he was tipsy enough to almost trip himself with his own feet. But now, it didn’t matter anymore.

Not when he had a grumpy feline waiting for him for its late dinner.

Dan Heng pushed himself upright, a heavy sigh slipping past his lips as he continued down the alley, still feeling lightheaded. He could practically see the image of his cat giving him the death stare while playing the empty food bowl with its disapproving meow. Unless he had the ability to converse in cat language, otherwise how could he explain to it that he hadn’t been paid for months and he had no choice but to find a part time job just to feed both of them? 

“Maybe I should resign before they lay me off, this can’t wait any longer,” Dan Heng mumbled. He never expected to stumble upon the modelling industry out of all the possibilities. For someone like him, who was never considered sociable, working as a booker was surely an absurd dream. The clients and models were no better than those party animals, despite their professionalism. The conflicting demands from both sides, constantly bouncing back and forth endlessly, were already a massive headache for him. Fortunately, these situations didn’t happen to him every day —

“Watch where you are going, idiot!”

Before Dan Heng could react, he felt someone gripped his forearm tightly and the next moment, he was pulled towards the man who called out to him without warning. He couldn’t help but let a sharp intake of breath escape his lips when he lost his balance and crashed against the man’s body. He could hardly support himself on his unsteady legs, for a brief moment he nearly stumbled again. The man immediately wrapped his waist with his arm to support him before his legs gave out.

“Why the fuck are you still out here at this time?” the man questioned as he let go of  his waist once he had made sure he could stand by his own. Yet, his grip on his arm never faltered. Dan Heng tilted his head up, meeting the man’s cold gaze. He blinked his hazy eyes repeatedly, trying to get rid of the blurry vision. The moment his vision was clear, his muddled mind cleared just a bit, his heart skipping a beat and his eyes widening slightly when those crimson-red eyes bored into his. Despite the man wearing a mask which made it more difficult to read his expression, it was hardly impossible to not notice the sharp look as well as that long dark blue hair fading into red at the tips blowing through the wind. 

If Dan Heng were in his right mind now, he would wonder why he would be in the arms of the top model Blade.

“Oi, cat got your tongue?” Blade couldn’t stand the silent treatment from him. He hooked the edge of his mask with his finger and pulled it down, revealing his now-scowling face fully, “Just how much have you drunk? If I weren’t here, you would fall to your death, idiot!” He couldn’t even hide the disapproval in his words as he added, trying to hit some sense into that thick skull of the intoxicated man. Yet all the response he got was Dan Heng’s puzzled look and a confused “Hah?”

Blade could feel a vein popped on his forehead. “Don’t you ‘hah’ me! I’m asking why are you still out here reeking of alcohol! Do you have any idea how dangerous it is to walk down a dark alley alone while being drunk!” he snapped with his grip on Dan Heng’s arm tightened even more. It wasn’t until Blade noticed the slight furrowed brow on his face that he only realised his grip had turned painfully tight. 

With no hesitation, Blade let go of his arm, mumbling a quiet apology. After moments of silence, Dan Heng finally spoke, “Why would someone like you show up here?” his hand rubbing the part where Blade had gripped so hard that no doubt would be bruised underneath his coat. 

Blade looked away sheepishly, clicking his tongue in annoyance, while Dan Heng narrowed his eyes with his gaze still locking on the other’s face. The cold wind and the sudden change of atmosphere had cleared up his fuzzied mind a bit and now he had a better understanding of the situation. 

He had come across many models for the past three years with various personalities and backgrounds, but only the man standing right in front of him stood out among the rest. When his first photoshoot in his modelling career was posted on social media, his eye-catching look and well-built physique attracted millions of likes and attention nationwide, his fame rising rapidly among his peers. It didn’t take too long for his reputation to grow to the point where luxury brands lined up to sign him. Anyone could easily tell how successful Blade was in every aspect.

Nonetheless, Dan Heng found how his simple question had left the top model speechless, which he couldn’t help but feel… endearing?

“You think your grandfather owned this alley? Can’t I just happen to walk past here and somehow notice a drunken idiot wobbling like those skydancers. I was feeling nice to save your pretty face and now you are doubting me?” Blade retorted with his arms crossed, clearly not happy with how Dan Heng put his words to interpret his intention. Dan Heng averted his gaze away from him awkwardly, knowing he indeed had a point there. Watching how the other remained silent, Blade smirked with a huff of amusement, clearly enjoying how he had won this small banter.

The night breeze tousled their hair, along with the rustling of leaves swept across the alley. They stood in silence, losing to their own thoughts for a while before Dan Heng broke the silence, “... If there’s nothing else, I have to head back now.” 

Blade only snapped out from his wandering thoughts with his gaze shifted back to Dan Heng walking past him in hurried steps. He had to physically hold his own hand back to stop the growing urge to grab Dan Heng again. He shouldn’t act rashly… for now. 

“Oh right…”

Dan Heng halted in his tracks with the sudden realisation he had almost forgotten to ask something important. He turned around to look at Blade, pale teal eyes meeting crimson red eyes.

“... Have we met before?” 

Dan Heng didn’t miss how Blade tensed slightly at his words, his eyes widening slightly with a flicker of surprise flashing through momentarily before it vanished as if nothing had happened. Blade huffed, his arms still crossed as he shrugged nonchalantly. The corner of his lips twitched upwards slightly.

“Perhaps.”

Dan Heng narrowed his eyes with his eyebrow quirked up, as if he wasn’t really convinced with his answer. Maybe it was the intoxication blurring the clarity of his mind, he chose not to press further, simply letting out a simple hum of understanding. Blade swore he could almost see the tiny smile on the other’s face. Yet, as soon as Dan Heng turned and walked away once again, his surprised look was quickly replaced by his usual cold demeanor, his gaze unreadable. He watched how Dan Heng’s steps were steadier than he was earlier, surely the sigh of the alcohol wearing off. It wasn’t until Dan Heng was completely out of his sight, Blade only let out a shaky breath he didn’t know he was holding in. He ran his hand through his tousled hair in frustration.

“...idiot.”

This is such a waste of time. Dan Heng thought. 

Sitting at a quiet corner of the studio, he leaned back on the chair with his legs crossed, his eyes glazing over the room where the staff were busy with their own roles. He never planned to show up in this photoshoot anyways. All he did was introduce a more capable agency to the client which could deal with their demanding requests. And yet, here he was, showing up just to oversee the set.

Every few minutes, Dan Heng couldn’t stop glancing from the set to his phone to check the time. The last time he checked, time seemed to pass painfully slow as only five minutes had passed. He closed his eyes with a sigh, resting his head on his left hand with his free hand pinching the bridge of his nose to ease the dulling pain in his head. 

“You good, idiot?”

Dan Heng’s eyes snapped open as his hands instantly flew to the armrest. He tilted his head up, only to meet the same familiar pair of crimson-red eyes from a few days ago. “You look like you hate being here, idiot,” Blade scoffed. Before he could say a word, he felt a gentle flick on his forehead, the slight pain made him reach up to rub the sore part with his brows drawn together.

“I know what you are trying to ask — yes, I have agreed to this photoshoot. I’m not here to stalk you, got it idiot?” Blade smirked, clearly enjoying how annoying he was to the poor man here. “Ouch… even so who gives you the right to flick someone’s forehead without warning?” Dan Heng mumbled in a sulk, his eyes narrowed into a glare with his gaze remained on him.

Blade couldn’t help himself but chuckle at the amusing sight, clearly enjoying how easy Dan Heng could get riled up with just a simple flick on his forehead. “Because I am the top model here, what can you do about it?” he looked down with that mocking smirk on his face, his eyes glistening with amusement. He raised his hands up with his shoulders shrugged as if he was the innocent one here. 

Dan Heng rolled his eyes in annoyance, he could literally feel the overflowing arrogance from his mere words. He pushed himself up from his seat with a disdainful look, closing his distance between Blade. “You should be listed as one of the miracles of the world of how you are still adored by people despite having no regard for others,” he snapped back.

Blade huffed with his hand on his chest to feign being hurt by Dan Heng’s sarcastic remarks. “Oh my, you don’t have to put it in this harsh way. It isn’t my fault for people falling for me, especially with this charming face of mine, is it? Besides…” He leant down as he whispered in the other’s ear.

“... I’m only this annoying to you, idiot.”

Blade pulled back enough to see how Dan Heng got so easily flustered with his eyes widened and a tint of red on his cheeks. The flustered man immediately stepped back, raising his hand to keep some space between them.

“You… Keep your distance.”

Blade scoffed with a sly grin. He was enjoying this way too much, the way Dan Heng glared at him menacingly, his teeth gritted in embarrassment and his hand still raised up to prevent Blade from coming any closer to him, like those short-tempered cats that wouldn’t hesitate to smack at the hands trying to touch them. 

How could he still be so fucking adorable even though he was feisty?

Yet, the moment he glanced down and took notice of the scratches marks around his forearm, his smirk faltered. “Those scratches…” he asked with a hint of concern in his voice. Wondering what made the arrogant model to have a sudden change of demeanor, Dan Heng lifted up his arm where red, shallow scratches littered around his forearm. “Ah, it is Rice’s doing. My cat always gets feisty if I leave him hungry for a bit too long for his liking,” he explained. 

“Rice? Your cat’s name is Rice?” Blade questioned with one eyebrow raised. Dan Heng stared at him in disbelief with his arms crossed, “You have a problem with my cat’s name?” Blade slightly shook his head with a snort. 

Great minds think alike. He thought 

“If I were your cat, I would be embarrassed to death with that foolish name. And seriously, how long you leave him starving because those are quite a number of scratches,” Despite feeling concerned for Dan Heng , Blade couldn't help but feel bad for his cat as well. The image of a hungry cat, waiting for its food while its irresponsible owner stumbling down the street drunkenly, flashed through his mind as he could feel his irritation flared up. 

As if Dan Heng could read his mind, he blurted out the truth before Blade could accuse him of any more wrongdoing. “First of all, no. I didn’t leave him hungry on purpose. I had to cut back his food because I haven’t been paid in months, and now I'm barely making ends meet. Second, I’m absolutely not a drinker. The customer wanted me to drink and I didn't have any choice. Alright?" 

Their conversation was forced to come to a stop when Dan Heng felt his phone buzzing in his pockets. He quickly excused himself before he picked up the call. Blade could tell whatever the other side of the call was saying definitely didn’t favour Dan Heng with those eyebrows knitted together with a frown on his face. The call only took less than a minute before Dan Hneg hung up the call with a deep sigh.

“I have to head back to my agency, there is an urgent meeting I have to attend,” Dan Heng explained, his hand reaching down to grab his shoulder bag. At the same time, the photography assistant came up to Blade to inform him it was about his turn for the next set. He nodded his head in acknowledgement before turning his head back to Dan Heng. 

“See you later, idiot. Better not tripping yourself on the way,” Blade didn’t forget to tease him for the last time as Dan Heng left. He threw a glare over his shoulders to the model before he stepped out of the studio and left.

Once Dan Heng was out of his sight, Blade instantly returned to his straight face as if the conversation had never happened in the first place. 

“What’s the long face, top model? He has only gone for a few seconds and you already miss him?” a voice emerged behind him. He didn’t bother to turn to see who would dare to call him with that nickname. “What are you trying to say, Jing Yuan?” he asked with clenched teeth, clearly trying to keep his irritation at bay.

Jing Yuan merely laughed softly with a reassured pat on Blade’s shoulder. “Just doing my job to check up on my model to make sure he will bring out his best later on set.” He took a glance at the door where Dan Heng left moments ago before he continued, “Are you still worried about him after that day?”

Blade clicked his tongue in irritation, grumbling under his breath, “As if I am worried about that idiot… I swear he better not starve his cat again.” Jing Yuan chuckled, clearly not buying his words but he didn’t choose to press further. Instead, he watched how Blade was still staring at the direction where he last saw Dan Heng.

Interesting…

Dan Heng knew his gut feeling had been right the moment he saw the termination letter on the table, along with his unpaid salaries packed in an envelope. 

He couldn’t help but exhale deeply at the thought of being laid off, his hands busy rinsing the shakers clean. He took a quick glance at the clock above him with the hands just past ten. Most of the tables were already empty except for some patrons still out there winding down with bottles of drinks. Their laughter and cheer echoed through the bar, each of them raising a toast to one other, except for a certain man who couldn’t feel the same way as they did.

“I will probably be able to hold on for a few more months with this salary before I find a new job, but the tenancy agreement is expiring soon… the landlord may increase the rent too… It’s almost time for Sesame’s next check-up… I am running out of his cat litter too…” he was so immersed in his own thoughts that he didn’t notice a white haired man taking a seat at the counter.

“My apologies. I assume you are Dan Heng, correct?”

Dan Heng’s mind immediately caught up to reality, his hands stopping in tracks as he looked up to see Jing Yuan resting his elbow on the counter, his hand propping up his chin with a lazy smile. 

“One Negroni before we start?” 

Dan Heng paused for a moment before he regained his composure with him wiping the shakers clean. “Of course, right away,” Minutes later, he slid a red, alluring drink, topped with a twist of orange peel, across the bar. Jing Yuan let out a pleased hum, holding the drink in his hand as the ices clinked softly while he took a sip. 

“You’re the agent from the set earlier?” Dan Heng asked with his arms crossed, his mind recalling their brief greeting when he entered the studio to find him talking to the client. Jing Yuan nodded, setting the glass down on the counter, “Precisely. Apologies for not being able to have a chat with you earlier. The client is a perfectionist when it comes to the details of the shoot.” 

“By the way, a little bird told me your agency has been facing financial constraints recently and the director has a list of employees to be dismissed. I presume you are one of them?” 

Dan Heng was caught off guard by the unexpected question. He unfolded his arms and leaned forward, his hands placed on the edge of the counter with his eyes narrowed into a glare. “What the hell are you trying to point out?” he hissed in a low voice.

Knowing he had definitely struck a nerve, Jing Yuan simply chuckled while taking another sip of his drink, “Don’t get so aggressive. Finding a new job in the current market is going to be a tough challenge. If you don’t mind, I have a proposal for your predicament.”

Dan Heng quirked an eyebrow in skepticism, clearly still not convinced by his words. “It doesn’t hurt to hear me out, does it? In fact, you may be interested in it,” Jing Yuan assured him, yet the sly smile with an unreadable gaze contradicted his gentle tone. After a brief moment, he took the lack of Dan Hneg’s response as his cue to continue.

“I want you to fake a relationship with Blade, under the guise as his personal assistant.” 

“...”

Jing Yuan’s smile widened at the sight of Dan Heng staring at him dumbfounded, mouth slightly agape as he tried to process what nonsense he just heard. The doubts churning in his mind were instantly replaced by confusion. He took another sip of his drink, an amused sigh escaped through his lips. 

“I assure you I am not joking around. I have a valid reason for it. Rumours of Blade having an affair with other models have been getting out of hand these days. Just handling his public relations is already a massive headache for me, so we have come to a decision to have him fake a relationship to calm the media down. You are the best candidate we have here.”

Dan Heng tilted his head, crossing his arms with his mind already recovered from the initial shock, “So you are telling me you are offering me a job to be his personal assistant. But at the same time, I have to act as his… partner?”

Jing Yuan gave a quick nod as a confirmation to his presumption, “Precisely. Don’t worry about the pay for the job. It is definitely more rewarding than anyone else could offer you,” Dan Heng shook his head in denial, “That’s not what I am concerned about. To be frank, I am not interested in this idea. A ‘fake relationship’ won’t fix the core of the problem. Besides, having a relationship with a celebrity is far too troublesome. I’m not looking to deal with more headaches in my life anymore.”

“Oh, and here I thought you were barely getting by with two jobs. You won’t forget you still have a furry mouth to feed back home, right?” 

Dan Heng was taken aback the moment Jing Yuan pointed out the harsh reality he was facing in those few words. There was no denying he was indeed struggling to maintain his standard of life – having to set a reminder to claim vouchers for free coffee, ordering takeaways from group orders, buying the cheaper cat food without freeze-dried chicken which earned him a death glare from Rice every time he fed it. 

Watching how Dan Heng had gone silent with the lack of his rebuttal, Jing Yuan couldn’t help but snicker as he drank the last bit of the drink, setting the now empty glass on the counter with a soft thud . He took his namecard out from the inside pocket of his blazer and slid it to the front, “If you have ever made up your mind, feel free to drop by my office anytime. I will await your good news. Good night.” 

By the time Dan Heng snapped out of his thoughts, Jing Yuan had already long gone at the bar, leaving only his namecard on the counter. He picked it up from the corner of it, contemplating with his brows furrowed and lips pressed into thin lines.

  A fake relationship with Blade huh…

Chapter Text

“It’s all for the sake of upgrading Rice’s meals…”

Dan Heng muttered under his breath as he slumped against the padded wall sideways with his phone in his hand. The metro whooshed through the underground tunnels, its wheels screeching when turning every corner. With a lazy swipe of his thumb, he casually scrolled through pages of cat food while the music in his earbuds hummed softly, the metro announcement playing in the background.

A sigh escaped through his nose once he had seen enough cat food which the price was a bit overbudgeted, his thumb hovering to the side button to turn the screen off. The words of Jing Yuan proposing this fake relationship idea wouldn’t stop playing in his mind, like a broken record player. The uneasiness of being in a relationship with a celebrity was a bit unbearable despite knowing it was just a facade for the public. However, it was no doubt a lifesaver to him given that his current situation wasn’t really in his favour.

How ironic.

He couldn’t dare to think how Jing Yuan would think of him after his disinterest with his suggestion. He rested his head against the wall, eyes gazing up to the digital route map only to notice the light indicator for the next station he was going to get off was blinking. He let out another deep sigh, his hand moving up to remove his earbuds and put them back to the case as the metro slowly came to a stop. With the doors slid open with a hiss, he stepped out of the carriage, knowing how he was cornered by his life choices.

Dan Heng took a glimpse of the navigation on his phone, making sure he didn’t take a wrong turn to the address on the namecard Jing Yuan gave. He had to admit his agency must have very deep pockets to have an office located at the central business district, where the monthly rental was his former agency’s annual revenue. There was without doubt the pay and benefits were definitely better than his former agency could offer as well. 

I should have jumped ship to a better agency earlier… He cursed himself for his foolish indecision.

The moment he arrived before the crosswalk, the fast beeping from the pedestrian light stopped with the light turned red. He took a quick look on the navigation app to find he was only a few hundred meters away from the destination, his thumb hovering the screen to check the next turn. However, his attention was soon distracted to a slight pressure at the back of his lower leg, as if something soft was poking him. 

Thinking it might be the tourists’ luggages or a child standing way too close to him, he glanced back, lowering his gaze to find a golden retriever wiggling its nose while sniffing his pants instead. The white fur around its snout and face, along with cloudy eyes were telltale signs of aging. He let out a soft snort of amusement, the corners of his lips turned upwards with no attempt to scoot further away from the old dog, allowing it to indulge its curiosity. 

Having a soft spot for furry animals was just one of his many weaknesses.

The middle-aged woman who had been focused on her phone while waiting, noticed the slight tug on the leash. Only then did she realise the dog was standing way too close to him, a clear sign it had invaded his personal space. 

“Ah! I’m so sorry! Come over here, it’s rude to sniff someone like this…” the woman hurriedly apologised, bending down to tug on its collar gently. Noticing how the old dog staggered while taking a few steps back, Dan Heng moved a little to the side, shaking his head in assurance, “No worries, I don’t mind it at all.”

She nodded in relief that he didn’t mind her dog literally having its snout against him. “Maybe this old man mistook you for my son. He was diagnosed with dementia lately and can barely recognise us. He always did that to my son before he passed away in an accident…” she paused for a brief moment before adding, “…My boy would have been around your age if he were still here,” The dog closed its eyes in enjoyment while the woman scratched its head, oblivious to her sad tone as she spoke.

Not knowing what to say in this pensive moment, Dan Heng could only offer his condolences, his tone apologetic for bringing up painful memories, “I’m sorry for your loss. I didn’t mean to.” 

She let out a wry chuckle, brushing off his apology, “It’s okay. It‘s been ten years since the incident. There’s no reason to dwell on the past every day. Life doesn’t stop for anyone,” she straightened up, her gaze never leaving the dog, her tone gentle with a tinge of sadness.

Despite her assuring words, the unshed tears shimmering in her eyes didn’t go unnoticed by Dan Heng. “He would have wanted the same thing for you,” She turned to look at him after those words were spoken out, eyebrows perked up, a clear hint of surprise on her face before she returned with a relieved smile, “Yeah, I think so too.” 

The now-green pedestrian light came at the perfect timing with the rapid beeping. The woman adjusted her grip on the leash, waving her hand before she turned to the other way, "Wish you all the best, young man.” The dog poked his knee with its snout as a gesture of farewell to end their small conversation.

Watching the woman walking away with the old dog down the street, Dan Heng let out a soft sigh, making a turn to the crosswalk, checking the navigation one last time before he made his way to the destination ahead.

Life doesn’t stop for anyone, huh… 

“I knew you would come.” 

The moment the staff brought Dan Heng to the conference room, Jing Yuan stood up from his seat, both his hands in his pockets, not bothering to hide his excitement with that cheeky grin on his face. The frosted glass around the room provided adequate privacy, hiding the meeting away from unwanted prying eyes.With a subtle nod from the white hair man, the staff left the room, closing the door with a soft click. 

Before Dan Heng could say a word, that all-too-familiar voice came from the corner of the room. 

“Well well well, isn’t this the idiot who can’t even walk in a straight line? I was wondering if you are really taking your sweet time walking all the way here,” Blade teased, clapping his hands in a mocking manner while making his way to the spot right across Dan Heng. His smirk grew even wider when he took in the sight of the man in front of him fuming in irritation. 

“For the last time, I drank because of the customer… whatever. I’m not wasting my energy explaining it twice to an arrogant bastard. And stop calling me an idiot,” Dan Heng was already annoyed that the model kept bringing up the drinking situation that day and now the way he didn’t stop calling him “idiot” irked him more.

Blade folded his arms in front of his chest with a snort of amusement, that smirk on his face only fueled Dan Heng’s irritation, “You really deserve to be called an idiot for accepting Jing Yuan’s proposal. I can call you that all I want – idiot, idiot, idiot. What can you do about it?”

Jing Yuan cleared his throat in a deliberate manner, stopping this childish nonsense right before it could escalate to physical violence. “Let’s just go through the details first before you two start your foreplay session?” he held his hand out to the empty chair next to Dan Heng as a gesture to take a seat, whose hands were gripping the back of the chair, as if he was about to throw it to that particularly annoying man. 

Blade snickered at the sight of Dan Heng sitting down with hands crossed on the table without protesting. His smirk vanished instantly at the disapproving side-eye from his agent. Knowing he stood no chance of arguing, he reluctantly took a seat next to him, grumbling under his breath with a hint of wilfulness. Dan Heng couldn’t help but snicker, muttering “A pot calling the kettle black” under his breath, his eyes gleaming with glee at seeing the model being compliant for once.

Jing Yuan sighed in relief of having the two of them finally settling down without breaking out in any fight. He took his seat as well, his hand reaching to the black contract folder on the table. “You will work as Blade’s personal assistant and his ‘partner’ for the next three months. As for how you two act like a couple, that’s all up to both of you. I assume you have some experience managing his schedules?” he explained as he passed the folder across to Dan Heng. 

He took over the folder and found the contract with Blade’s signature inside, his eyes skimming through the details. “Three months? That’s shorter than I expected, honestly. It should give me enough time to find a new job in the meantime,” he nodded in understanding, a wave of relief washing over him once he realised that he didn’t have to keep up this facade for too long. 

However, he missed how Jing Yuan turned to give Blade a meaningful gaze while Blade shook his head slightly, a clear hint for him not to say anything else.

Jing Yuan turned back to Dan Heng before he added, “He will pay you for your work as his assistant, just like in a regular job. I will pay you for being his ‘partner’, but only after the deal is over. Is there anything else you would like to know?” 

Dan Heng set the folder back on the table, his eyebrows lifted in suspicion, “Is this ‘fake relationship’ actually a personal request from you? Does your agency know about this?” Blade shot a glare at Jing Yuan, who let out an awkward chuckle at his assumption, “You catch on faster than I thought. It is indeed a personal request from me. We hope to keep a low profile to avoid any unwanted disruptions. Don’t worry, I can guarantee you no one outside this room will know about this even after the deal is over,”

Blade narrowed his eyes as he stared at Dan Heng in silence, his arms still crossed in front of his chest, wondering what his decision would be. Despite his nonchalant expression, his tightly curled fists, fingernails digging into his palm until crescent-shaped marks were left, told a different story. He had to mentally hold himself back from urging Dan Heng to make up his mind right away for fear of him turning him down. Nonetheless, he couldn’t ignore the anxiety of what would come up next from gnawing his insides.

After a few torturous minutes of silence, Blade’s tense shoulders visibly relaxed, feeling like a weight had been lifted up from his shoulders when Dan Heng removed the pen cap and scribbled his signature in the empty space of the contract with his name underneath it. Jing Yuan smiled with gratitude, taking the folder with the signed contract from both of them, “I really appreciate your understanding, Dan Heng. You’re the best I could ask for.” 

Dan Heng shook his head with a light scoff, “Three months is still acceptable, but I will only put in the bare minimum effort into this. No feelings involved,” Jing Yuan merely chuckled despite his blunt remarks.

Blade, on the other hand, felt a dull ache throbbed in his heart as those words hit him. “Hah, you better not screw up, idiot. I won’t go easy on you even though you are not even trying to be my boyfriend,” he spat in a defiant tone, leaning back in the chair with his hands resting behind his head, brushing off the aching pain in his heart.

“Try me,” Dan Heng snorted, standing back up with his arms crossed, head tilted up and eyes lowering to meet Blade’s. The model didn’t even hesitate to back down as he stood up from his seat, his gaze firmly locking onto the other man. Watching the “couple” shoot daggers at each other, Jing Yuan knew it was time to take his leave before he got caught in the midst of their “fight”. 

“I have a meeting to attend now, the room is all yours. You two had better learn not to create any chaos, alright? Good luck,” With a click of the door, the white-haired man left, leaving the two of them alone in the room. Blade rolled his eyes in annoyance, his gaze finally looking away from the short-haired man, grumbling about how nosy his agent was. 

A tangled silence hung in the air, both of them standing still with no words spoken. Dan Heng turned his head away as well, yet he couldn’t stop himself stealing glances to Blade, who had his gaze lowered to the floor, his finger drumming against his arm emotionlessly, as if he was lost in his thoughts. His own mind could now think more clearly in this tranquility with no sassy remarks from the model.

The thought of being in a relationship with a model had never once crossed his mind in his entire life, especially when the “partner” he had to pretend with was Blade. He swore he had never met anybody who could ever exceed the model’s arrogance. That mocking smirk he had worn at the studio literally screamed how Dan Heng couldn’t do anything with him. Their dynamic was oil and water – never meant to be. Not to mention how Blade seemed suspiciously evasive whenever he asked him questions, like the time when he asked if they had met before in the alley that night. Up until now, Dan Heng still couldn’t pinpoint why a simple question could startle him —

“How’s your cat, idiot?”

Dan Heng’s racing thoughts were cut off from the sudden question. He turned his head to Blade, eyebrows raised in confusion, “Rice? He’s doing fine. Why do you ask?” Blade sneered, shaking his head in amusement, “As if your cat will be doing fine while his owner is out there getting drunk in the middle of the night, leaving him hungry. Poor thing.”

If Dan Heng was mad at Blade for calling him an idiot, then the way he accused him of constantly leaving Rice hungry had him fuming. “For the very last time, I don’t leave him hungry all the time! That only happens when I have to stay back at work, alright?” he snapped back. He didn’t even bother to clarify that he wouldn’t ever drink unless he was asked to. Not only did Blade’s arrogance piss him off, but his stubbornness was also giving him a massive headache.

“You expect me to take your words for it? Show me your cat as proof then.” 

Dan Heng didn’t think twice about Blade’s suggestion as he nodded frantically, determined to prove that Blade was wrong about him, “Alright. I’ll show you I’m not one of those irresponsible owners who would neglect their pets’ needs. I will have Rice scratch that smirk off your face the moment you step in,” Blade couldn’t be happier with his agreement of showing his cat in person, and more importantly — his place. He closed his distance with Dan Heng in a few long strides, taking his hand in a firm grasp with his free hand pushing the door open to leave.

“What are we waiting for, idiot? Let’s see how your cat is really doing,” he replied in a playful tone, not even bothering to wait for the door to close fully with impatience written on his face. Dan Heng flustered at the sudden intimacy between them, lifting his gaze up to see Blade smiling – unlike his usual mocking type of smile, but something… soft? 

“Blade?”

The model tilted his head, his gaze immediately meeting with the other’s confused eyes. He let out a huff of amusement, adjusting his grip to intertwining his fingers with Dan Heng’s for a moment before he explained, “You forget about the whole ‘fake relationship’, idiot? You had better get used to this – this is the least I’ll do as your boyfriend.” 

A yelp of surprise escaped Dan Heng’s lips when Blade pulled him closer, his shoulder brushing against the other’s arm. Feeling Blade tighten his grip on their now-intertwined hands, he let out a sigh, silently allowing the model to indulge in the moment.

He seems to be enjoying this very much…

“Why do I have to park in the visitor’s carpark, idiot? We will definitely stand out here.” 

Dan Heng had to fight back the urge to slam Blade’s head against the wall with that idiotic question. “What is the purpose of renting a parking spot if I don’t own one? You are going to stand out, no matter where you park,” He hissed through his clenched teeth, almost snapping the key card in half with how hard he gripped it. He didn’t bother to wait for him to turn off the engine after they were parked, getting out of the car and slamming the door shut. 

Blade couldn’t help but chuckle at how he really resembled a feisty cat with its hair standing up. In truth, he wasn’t really bothered about where he had to park. That sleek red sports car, every man’s dreams yet out of reach, would attract prying eyes wherever he was anyway. He picked up his pace to catch up with the irritated man, locking the car behind him with the car key, “No need to be so worked up, idiot. Can’t I ask anything out of curiosity?” he scoffed lightly, ruffling the other’s hair as if calming an irritated cat down.

“I will be really grateful if you can stop being annoying for one second…” Dan Heng grumbled, eyes closed and head slightly lowered, clearly still feeling annoyed with him despite the touch. With a light tap on the key card reader, the glass door to the elevator unlocked with a clicking sound. Blade pushed the door open, holding it with a huff of amusement, enjoying how Dan Heng looked even grumpier with his now tousled hair.

“Whatever you say, idiot.”

“I’m back,” Dan Heng said aloud, announcing his arrival while stepping on the back of his sneakers to take it off. Blade followed suit after closing the door behind him, crouching down to untie his shoelaces. As Dan Heng hung his coat on the coat stand, he noticed Rice wasn’t on the kitchen bar, its usual spot, waiting for him. He then turned to check on the bathroom to see whether it was in its litter box.

After having both his boots taken off, Blade straightened up with his coat also hung on the stand, glancing around the studio apartment where Dan Heng called it home. Despite the compactness, the well-organised layout made the place feel comfortable to live in. As he walked further into the room, he noticed piles of books stacking up all over the place — on the kitchen bar, under the study table, even on top of the scratching post. He let out a soft snort, picking up a book about literature from the table, only to find it wrapped in a transparent cover.

Something never changes.

From the corner of his eyes, his attention was immediately caught by a furry feline lying on top of the bed, stretching its limbs out with a big yawn. He placed the book down on the table, making his way to the bed with blue-grey fur clinging to the dark turquoise pillowcase as well as white bedsheets so obvious that it was impossible to miss. 

There, a British shorthair sat up with one hind leg lifted in the air, licking its balls with all its might, clearly enjoying its private moment to the point it had completely ignored its owner’s call. 

Dan Heng left the bathroom, tilting his head to find Blade standing still beside his bed, keeping his eyes glued to Rice, who was still licking itself. He made his way to his bed too, his arms crossed with a resigned sigh escaping through his lips, “Really? Do you have to clean yourself on my bed, Rice? Look at the mess here you made,” he shook his head, taking in the sight of the messy bed with its fur all over it. He would need to get more lint rollers after this.

Only then did Rice stop cleaning itself, flopping back onto the bed and finally noticing Blade who had been staring at it for a while. In a flash, it got back on all fours with the tip of its tail slightly curled down. Noticing the sudden change of demeanor, Blade slowly got down on his knees to meet eye level with the cat, his right hand reaching out to have it familiar with his scent. Rice took a few cautious steps forward, leaning in to sniff his hand, its nose twitching with its head tilted in curiosity. Blade didn’t say a word for the whole time, allowing Rice to take its time familiarising with him, as if his patience would never thin out. 

The moment Rice took a step even closer and bumped its head against his hand, Blade only let out a sigh of relief, eyes softened with his finger curled up to scratch its chin. Dan Heng, who was watching their interaction quietly, noticed a small smile on the model’s face while scratching the cat in such an affectionate way. It was a rare sight to see the usual haughty model with that cocky smirk always hanging on his face, fell for a furry feline. 

“It seems Rice has already taken a liking to an arrogant person like you,” Dan Heng teased. To his surprise, his heart fluttered when Blade only chuckled softly in response, instead of coming up with another snarky rebuttal like he used to. He had truly underestimated how cats could affect the model to this extent. In spite of that, Dan Heng made a mental note to reward Rice for bringing out a side of Blade he had never seen before…

What the hell is wrong with me?! I definitely don’t feel anything for him, do I?

Dan Heng brought his hand up and slapped his own face lightly, trying to wake himself up from those absurd thoughts. As if he would actually have feelings for this annoying bastard just for being nice to his cat.

“Pack your stuff, idiot.”

The sudden breaking of silence made Dan Heng jump out of his skin as his body visibly tensed momentarily, wondering whether he unintentionally said his inner thoughts out loud, “Me?” he asked, the tension in his body still visible. 

Blade felt his eye twitch in annoyance, “Of course I’m talking to you, idiot. You hear what I say,” Despite the irritation in his tone, he didn’t stop scratching Rice’s head with it lying on its back, purring contentedly with its eyes closed. “Isn’t your tenancy agreement expiring soon? Either I’m taking your cat to my place or you’re coming along with it. Make your choice,” he added with his tone firm, leaving no room for argument. 

Blade tilted his head up to see Dan Heng who was visibly still in bewilderment at his words, both his eyebrows raised and eyes widened as he continued to question, “You want me to move in with you?” he then realised something was off, “Wait a second, how did you know that my tenancy agreement is going to expire?” 

Blade pressed his lips into a thin line with his eyes narrowed in a judging glare. He swore he would love to knock some sense into this clueless man with that ridiculous number of books lying around the place, “Have you forgotten you have signed up for this relationship deal, idiot? It isn’t a big deal to ask my boyfriend to stay with me. Regarding that tenancy agreement, that nosy Jing Yuan had told me about your situation beforehand. Stop making a big deal out of everything.”

He turned his attention back to Rice, who had its head snuggled against his hand, growing way more comfortable with the new human, “Don’t make me repeat myself the third time, idiot. Unless you still want to stick around here with no parking lot and a 15-minute walk to the nearest metro station, suit yourself. Either way, I’m taking your cat with me.” 

The thought of Blade taking Rice away under his watch was definitely the final straw as Dan Heng turned around to find his luggage, his jaw clenched shut in displeasure, “Just because Rice has become fond of you doesn’t mean you get to take him wherever you want! Now that I think of it, I bet you must have showered yourself in catnip, otherwise he won’t even get close to someone like…” 

The moment he turned his head around, his complaint died out at the sight of Blade sitting at the edge of his bed with his hands caressing Rice, who was sitting on his lap like a loaf.

“You are saying?” Blade looked up at him with that cocky smirk, crimson-red eyes met pale teal ones. Watching his cat had now completely smitten with the model, Dan Heng couldn’t help but let out a defeated sigh, 

“You traitor…”

With one knee pinning the suitcase lid down, Dan Heng grunted as he finally managed to get the last lock clicked in place. He lifted the suitcase up with the handle, setting the suitcase on its wheel with two cardboard boxes filled with both his and Rice’s belongings next to the door. After dusting off his hands, he took the carrier bag on the ground and turned to find Blade lying on his bed with Rice snuggling on his chest, squishing its cheek with both his hands.

“That’s fast, idiot,” Blade exclaimed with a hint of surprise in his voice. Dan Heng glanced up on the wall, only to find that nearly two hours had passed on the clock. “There’s nothing much to pack. I left most of my things at my parents’ place overseas. Time to go, Rice,” he explained while picking Rice up with a hand under its chest, the cat meowing in protest at being forced to leave Blade’s warm body. Yet, it didn’t resist going into the carrier bag as if it had already grown accustomed to it. 

Blade reluctantly pushed himself up from the bed, grumbling at the loss of Rice on his chest. Once Dan Heng had settled Rice down while placing the carrier bag on the table, he turned to Blade, only to find that the front and back of his turtleneck were covered in cat fur. He couldn’t hold back a snicker at how disheveled the model looked after cuddling with Rice for the past two hours. 

“You look like a mess here,” Dan Heng teased with an amused grin. Blade was about to retort to his teasing, but after taking a quick look at himself, he bit back in silence, knowing the other had a point. Before he could react, he jolted in surprise when he felt a hand grabbing on his shoulder with something rubbing against his clothed torso, “Hold still for a minute…” Dan Heng leaned forward mumbling, his attention focused on removing the cat hair with the lint roller on his hands. 

Blade stared at him dumfounded for a moment before he let out a huff of amusement, his body visibly relaxed from the touch. While Dan Heng focused on rolling off the fur on him, he couldn’t resist staring at the way his chest rose and fell with his gentle breathing, especially how the tight-fitting turtleneck hugged his well-built physique so perfect that he could practically see the muscles underneath it. His finger would inadvertently brush against his broad, covered chest as he cleaned the fur away, silently relishing how soft yet firm it felt…

No, seriously? What is wrong with me?!

“Enjoying the view, idiot?” 

He looked up in an instant to find Blade cocking his head to the side with that ever-present smirk. Before he could defend himself, Blade hooked on the loose neckline of his sweater and pulled it down, exposing Dan Heng’s bare, lean abs to his eyes. 

“Do you ever realise anyone could literally see your body with how loose your sweater is, idiot? Although it would be a lie if I said I dislike the view here,” He remarked, eyes gleaming with excitement, his gaze fixed on his body without any bit of shame.

Dan Heng could feel his face burning up in embarrassment as he straightened up without hesitation, slapping the other’s arm in frustration, “Get up, you shameless pervert!” Blade merely chuckled at his feisty protest, not even bothered by the way he slapped his arm with no mercy at all. He stood back up, his long hair swept to the front as instructed, while Dan Heng quickly removed the remaining cat fur from his back. 

After making sure there was no more fur sticking to his turtleneck, Dan Heng peeled the used layer off in one swift move. “Give me one minute or two, I have to clean the cat fur off the bed before we leave,” he said while crumpling the used layer with one hand, kneeling beside the bed to roll the fur off the beddings. 

Blade hummed in response, making his way to the luggage and boxes fully packed with the other’s belongings. “Why would you come back here from overseas anyway? I thought there were more opportunities abroad?” he couldn’t help giving in to his curiosity, wondering what the other was thinking about coming back. 

“I just had a gut feeling I should come back, even though my parents were totally against it. That’s why they never bothered to support me or contact me when I made my decision,” Dan Heng explained while walking to the other side of the bed to continue cleaning the fur off. 

The way he was unbothered at his parents for not supporting his decision to the extent of cutting ties with him, it piqued Blade’s curiosity once more as he questioned, “What kind of gut feeling did you have despite knowing the consequences?”

Dan Heng froze with the roller pressed against the bedsheet. Noticing the lack of response from the other, Blade turned to see him staring blankly at the bedsheets, lost in his thoughts. After a few seconds of silent pondering, he shrugged in reply, “Beats me. It’s something that can’t be explained in words.”

Clearly not happy with his dismissive answer, Blade glared at him with his eyes narrowed, lips pressing together in disbelief. However, the other had his focus back to cleaning the remaining fur off the beddings, oblivious to the model’s doubtful glare. 

Soon after, with the last strands of cat fur rolled away, he stood back up with the last piece of lint sheet now completely covered with fur. Blade averted his gaze just in time before he was caught staring at him for the whole time while Dan Heng walked past him to pack up the trash. 

“Meowrr…”

The soft meow caught Blade’s attention right away, noticing how Rice sat right behind the mesh panel with its whiskers slightly drooped. A soft sigh escaped through his nose as he placed a finger in front of its face, the corner of his lips quirked up when it tried to lick his finger through the panel. Despite not being satisfied with Dan Heng’s response regarding the reason for coming back, he knew that probably was the best answer he could get from him. 

At least he has a reason. Better than nothing. He thought.

“Should we get going?” 

The sudden question from Dan Heng brought Blade to reality as he retracted his finger from the bag, earning a disappointed meow from Rice, “Yeah. Let’s go then,” he answered with a small nod while Dan Heng grabbed the handles of the carrier bag. 

When Blade crouched over to tighten the laces of his boots, a sudden realisation hit Dan Heng as if he almost forgot something important. Hearing the hurried footsteps, Blade lifted his head up in confusion to find him rummaging through the bedside drawer frantically. “What are you searching for, idiot?” he asked with both his laces tied neatly, his arm reaching out to grab his coat from the stand. 

Dan Heng let out a relieved sigh once he had found what he was searching for — a simple silver ring with tiny diamonds embedded on the twist of the band tied to a string. “Almost forget about this…” he muttered under his breath, lowering his head to slip the string with the ring around his neck. 

“What is it with that ring, idiot?” Blade couldn't hide his curiosity anymore as he asked once more, leaning down to pick up the boxes stacked together. Once Dan Heng made sure everything was packed for the last time, he then put on his sneakers, one hand grabbing the carrier bag and the other pulling the luggage’s handle up. 

“I found it when I was packing my bags before I came back from overseas. I have no idea at all how I got it. Perhaps someone gave it to me, but it doesn't really matter anyway.”

As Dan Heng pulled the door wide open, he missed the way Blade eyed him, his lips pressed into a thin line, brows slightly furrowed and gaze lowered. Yet, the model simply responded with nonchalance, suppressing the emotions churning inside him, “Yeah… it’s probably not important.”

Not important my ass.

As much as Dan Heng disliked the idea of being forced to move in with Blade, the moment they stepped into the grand lobby of the apartment where Blade lived, he couldn’t deny he was captivated by the luxurious interior design of the lobby. The sparkling brilliance of the hanging crystal lights in the center of the lobby stood out against the geometric wall accented with gold stripes. Their footsteps echoed on the well-polished black marble floor, accompanied by Rice’s constant meowing since they arrived.

“Meogrr…”

“Your feline is quite noisy, idiot. Get it out of the bag,” Blade instructed, adjusting his grip to hold the stacked box with one arm while his free hand reached out to tap the key card against the small screen next to the private elevator. Before Dan Heng could voice out his worries, the model tilted his head to him with that familiar cocky smirk, as if he could read his mind. 

“Don’t worry, this lobby is exclusively reserved for public figures. No intruder will come to take your feline away.”

The elevator arrived right after Dan Heng unzipped the panel and scooped Rice out, having it rested on his shoulder. Once he got into the elevator, one hand on its back and the other dragging his luggage and the empty carrier bag, Blade, who had been holding the elevator, only tapped the card against the screen panel after the door closed.

Both of them stood in silence, save for the whirring sound of the elevator on its way to the highest floor. Despite having Rice on his shoulder instead of staying in the cramped bag, it still wouldn’t stop meowing, its tail wagging lightly and brushing against its owner’s face with every movement. 

“Stop that, Rice…” Dan Heng’s weak protest was futile, its meowing only growing louder in defiance. Blade couldn’t resist snickering at the pathetic sight of the other trying to talk some sense to a cat. “Need help, idiot?” he asked, yet there was no trace of pity in his tone. Not daring to open his mouth for fear of inhaling its fur by accident, Dan Heng could only glare at him in annoyance, earning himself an amused chuckle.

He felt his saviour had come when the elevator doors opened with a soft ding, indicating they had reached the highest floor. Once they stepped out to the private lift lobby, Blade set the boxes back on the floor with a grunt. With a swift tug of loosening his shoelaces and a light tap against the reader, the door swung open slightly. 

“After you, idiot,” 

The moment Dan Heng stepped into the penthouse, his eyes instantly fell on a chubby Siamese standing atop the foyer cabinet, its head tilted to the side and the tip of its tail bent down. Rice, who had picked up the scent from another cat, squirmed in his grasp, trying to tell him to let it down. 

“Alright, alright. There you go,” Dan Heng knew it would be futile to have Rice under control when there was another cat in the same room. He leaned down just enough for Rice to get on the floor while the Siamese cat leaped down as well, their bodies leaning forward with eyes locked on each other. 

Blade, who had returned with the boxes in his hands, glanced down to find the two cats locked in an intense staring contest. “Let them be. Sesame isn’t the type to get in a fight,” he explained blandly, walking past them in small steps, his gaze focused on the floor so as not to step on their tails by accident. 

“... You’re judging my cat’s name when yours is literally named… Sesame? That’s so biased of you,” Dan Heng didn’t bother to hide his disbelief at this point with one of his eyebrows raised. Blade glanced over his shoulder, meeting his judging gaze with that annoying smirk on his face again. 

“So what? Don’t tell me you are petty over such trivial matters, idiot,” he taunted, enjoying the way the other scowled at him in exasperation, making him no different from a wet, grumpy cat. 

“Unless you want to sleep on the couch for the next three months, follow me. I have prepared the guest room for you, idiot.” 

The urge to slam Blade’s head against the wall just to wipe that smirk off only grew stronger as Dan Heng gritted his teeth in annoyance. Despite his reluctance, he grudgingly followed the other with the luggage in his hand, knowing he had no choice but to be stuck with him until the end of the contract.

Why the hell would he let himself get roped into this fake relationship with this infuriating bastard? 

As Dan Heng lowered his luggage to the floor, a sigh of relief escaped his lips after dragging the heavy bag for a while. Reaching down to his pocket for his phone, he only realised it was already ten minutes past two. “It’s already this late?” He muttered. At the same time, his stomach let out a low rumble, since he had his last meal nearly six hours ago. 

I should meet up with Blade for a quick lunch. 

Before he left the room, a vase with three eye-catching, red tulips sitting at the corner of the table caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. Yet, with his stomach growling, he had neither the time nor energy to wonder why there would be a vase of tulips in his room as he turned the doorknob and left.

“You sure are taking your damn sweet time, idiot,” Blade commented without lifting his head up, having his focus on Rice and Sesame instead, who were sitting on the kitchen counter obediently, their eyes glistening at the shredded chicken breasts in his hand. He couldn’t hold back his chuckle when Rice stood up on its hind legs with its paws tugging his hand, asking for more chicken. 

Watching his cat fall head over heels for the model completely merely from a few touches and food, Dan Heng sighed in defeat, rubbing his temple with his finger, “I’m seriously wondering if you have bribed him to cooperate with you.” 

“Of course not, idiot. Told you anyone would fall for my charming face, including you cat too,” Once the cats were satisfied with their snack time, Blade finally turned his attention to the other, his arrogance practically overflowing at this point. “Since you’re stuck with me for three months, I’ll make the rules clear.” 

“First of all, no talking back to me, be it during or outside of working hours,” he explained while taking a quick rinse of his hands.

“Secondly, I don’t want you to initiate any physical affection unless I tell you so,” he continued, wiping his hands dry with a tissue as he walked towards the other. 

“Lastly, you are free to explore my place, except the study room is out of the question. Understand, idiot?”

Blade halted in his tracks as he stood in front of Dan Heng, arm crossed, his gaze lowered yet his chin remained high. Dan Heng could barely conceal the irritation seething within him, both his fists clutching so tight his knuckles cracked audibly. The authoritative tone with that haughty attitude, which obviously left no room for further discussion had brought his annoyance to the boiling point as he hissed with his jaw clenched, eyes locked onto his, “Just because I am forced to live under your roof doesn’t give you the right to boss around. Who do you think you are?”

Blade couldn’t help but snort at his defiance, feeling amused despite the insult. “Who am I? That’s a ridiculous question…” 

Before Dan Heng knew it, a hand reached up and grabbed the back of his neck followed by a pair of soft lips pressed against his cheek. Startled by the sudden kiss, the tension in his fists drained away as his fingers relaxed, the scowl on his face was replaced by a faint blush spreading across his cheeks. 

“Wh-What is that for?!”

The culprit, Blade, let out a satisfied hum with his flustered reaction, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. He couldn't help but lean in for a kiss on his cheek again, “... to remind you I am your boyfriend, idiot.”

Dan Heng wasn’t given a chance to say anything more as Blade moved from holding the back of his neck to grabbing his hand, urging him to follow him. “Come on, idiot. We’ll grab a quick lunch first, then we have to make a trip to the CBD. You aren’t going to tarnish my image with your shitty taste in clothes.”

Even with irritation still lingering within him, Dan Heng almost felt his heart flutter for a brief moment. Almost.

It is just a show… I won’t fall for it.

Chapter Text

Buzz — Buzz — 

Noticing the constant buzzing of his phone, Dan Heng took it out from his pocket as he walked down the hallway of the studio. He squinted his eyes only to realise the caller ID was no other than Blade’s agent. He took a quick sip of his iced coffee before he picked up the call, wondering if he had missed any important events, “Jing Yuan? Is there anything I can help with?”

Jing Yuan’s chuckle was heard from the other side of the call. “Relax. In case Blade hasn’t informed you yet, the client requests for a two-hour extension. I’m afraid you will have to keep our grumpy top model entertained for a little longer,” he sighed in resignation. 

The last time he had them meet up at the conference room nearly three weeks ago definitely didn’t leave him a good impression. Not when they were on the verge of throwing the chairs at each other’s faces.

Truth be told, Dan Heng wasn’t opposed to his current situation anymore after weeks of working with Blade. The workload as his personal assistant was surprisingly light as he was required to keep his schedule updated with upcoming photoshoots and run a few simple errands on sets, such as fetching his coffee and picking up takeaway. 

Yet, the trouble-free job complemented the massive headache he had to deal with as Blade’s “partner”.

He would never admit it out loud, but he really appreciated he didn't have to share the same bed with Blade, otherwise he wouldn’t have a safe place to hide from his relentless affection. From having Dan Heng sitting on his lap when he was chilling on the couch with Rice, to sneaking quick pecks on his cheek during the breaks between his outfit changes. There wasn’t a time when he wasn’t flustered by Blade’s gestures of affection.

Despite his protests and confusion about the reason Blade was still being affectionate with him when no one else was around them, he would always bring up the same lame excuse.

“I’m just doing my job as your boyfriend, idiot. It doesn’t matter where we are, so just get used to it.”

“It’s alright. This is part of my job, right? Besides, he doesn't cause me any troubles during work, although he still behaves like a clingy bastard at home,” Dan Heng hurriedly reassured Jing Yuan, thinking he might have given him the wrong idea of him not enjoying working with Blade, especially in this special relationship. 

He definitely gave the wrong idea to Jing Yuan with the sound of him choking on his tea from the other side of the call. 

“Jing Yuan? Are you good?” 

Dan Heng could only hear the distant coughing from the poor man for a few seconds before he cleared his throat, his voice picking up once again, “I’m fine. Sorry about that. Judging from what you just said, it seems you have already moved in with Blade? ”

Despite the bewilderment, Dan Heng confirmed his assumptions, “Yes, he explained that it was better to stay with him for the time being,” He held his phone between his ear and shoulder, freeing one hand to turn the doorknob of the private changing room, where Blade was found scrolling through his phone in boredom. He could hear the wry chuckle from the other end of the call, unsure whether he was making fun of his pitiful predicament or feeling sorry for him. 

“I see... Good to know that you can still tolerate our top model’s arrogance here. That’s all I need to inform you. See you soon,”

With the sound of the door open, Blade looked up from his phone to find Dan Heng walking in, holding his phone back to his ear with his free hand while kicking the door closed gently. “See you too,” he replied, lowering his phone as he hung up the brief call with Jing Yuan. 

“Who is that, idiot?” 

With his boyfriend back to his side, Blade’s attention was now fully on him as he set his phone back on the table with his elbow propped up the armrest, his head resting on his hand. Dan Heng took another sip of his coffee with the straw between his teeth, “Jing Yuan wants to inform me about the extension from the client. He sounds pretty surprised to know I am living together with you.”

Blade scoffed lightly, leaning back the chair with his arms folded in front of his chest. “He never stops being a busybody. Does he find other people's business amusing?” he mumbled with his head thrown back on the chair. In spite of his annoyance at his agent’s tendency to snoop around the details of his life, he knew deep down he was just trying to get a better understanding of his inner conflict. 

A conflict he would never admit. For now.

Watching the model fall silent, as if contemplating anything in his mind, Dan Heng rested against the wall on his back, one of his legs crossed over the other one while he bit the top of the straw mindlessly. Only then did he notice Blade had changed to his outfit for the next photoshoot session. 

He couldn’t bring himself to take his eyes off the way the black turtleneck with golden lining hugged his well-built physique, while the waistcoat in white and navy brought out the curves of his broad chest. The long white blazer, tailored in golden lining with silver patterns, draped over his shoulders loosely, the black leather garter around his toned thigh being the cherry on top. Not to mention the way the ends of the red ribbons tied to his loose bun tangled with strands of his long hair…

… Does he always look this good?

“You’re staring, idiot.”

The moment he was called out, Dan Heng snapped out of his wandering thoughts as he looked up with start, only to meet that all-too-familiar smirk of Blade’s — the one he always wore whenever he managed to catch him red-handed. 

“Admit it, idiot. You have been drooling over me ever since that day back at the alley. I’m not going to laugh at you. It’s a normal reaction to have everyone falling for me after all,” Blade teased, his head tilted to the side with his arms still crossed. He knew how easily Dan Heng could become embarrassed when being called out in such situations, and he would never ever grow tired of this amusing scene.

“I-I’m not! I’m just wondering why you’re still here after the client has asked for an extension, that’s all!” Dan Heng flustered, a blush of embarrassment creeping up his face. With the last sip of his coffee, he tossed the empty cup to the waste bin with a clatter.

Yet, those bite marks left at the top of the straw didn’t go unnoticed by Blade. A small habit of his when he was too engrossed. 

He is definitely lying. Interesting.

“The director informed me they were facing some technical difficulties. It may take approximately half an hour to get it back on track,” Blade explained with that ever-present smirk on his face, his gaze unreadable. He curled his fingers with his palm facing up, beckoning him to come closer. 

“Let’s have a talk, idiot.”

Dan Heng didn’t know whether he should be relieved that Blade chose not to tease him for his fluster or scared of what malicious plots he might have in his mind. The model he knew would never miss the chance to mess with him further whenever he was embarrassed. With that twisted humour of his, he was definitely plotting something to make fun of him.

Blade clicked his tongue in irritation, as if he could read the other’s inner thoughts. “Don’t make me haul your ass over here, idiot,” he hissed, curling his fingers again — this time it was a warning rather than a simple gesture. 

Dan Heng grumbled under his breath before he reluctantly pushed himself off the wall and made his way to the empty chair next to him. From the weeks he spent living under the same roof with Blade, he knew the model wasn’t just all bark and no bite. 

He meant every word he said. Literally.

Back when Blade was determined to revamp his drab fashion sense, Dan Heng couldn’t help but snort in skepticism, thinking he was just pulling his leg. But when he swiped his credit card for a six-digit bill without batting an eye at several high-end boutiques, his doubt was dispelled at once. 

“Don’t get so excited, idiot. All the receipts will be deducted from your salary… I’m just joking. Stop giving me that look. It’s creepy.”

Not wanting to lose face by having the model carry him over his shoulder, Dan Heng slumped against the chair with a heavy sigh. “Fine, I’ll sit here. Are you happy?” he grumbled, his head cocked to the side with a sidelong glare. Blade, who was certainly pleased with his compliance, hummed in satisfaction, his chest swelling in triumph. 

“That’s more like it, idiot.”

Dan Heng couldn’t resist rolling his eyes in exasperation, knowing full well he had stroked his ego. Blade didn’t miss the other’s irritation spiking despite him not saying a word. He huffed in amusement, enjoying how easily he could get under his skin with nothing but his words only. 

If he had a sprout of cat grass for every time Dan Heng lost his temper with him, Rice and Sesame would have a rainforest of cat grass to feast on. 

“Do you mind if I ask you something?” Dan Heng questioned. Wondering why the sudden change of topic, Blade gave a small nod in affirmation, deciding to indulge in his curiosity, “Sure. What is it, idiot?” 

He leaned back on his chair, crossing one leg over the other in such a carefree manner. While he was anticipating for the other to ask any trivial questions regarding the photoshoot or him, he never expected him to ask, “Those rumours about you having affairs with other models… do they actually exist?”

Dan Heng narrowed his eyes, his suspicions heightened with the way that cocky smirk faded from Blade’s face, his eyes widening slightly as he averted his gaze from him. He believed the question he threw at him was nothing more than a “yes or no”, and yet his excessive reaction told otherwise.

“To be frank, I wasn’t completely convinced by Jing Yuan’s explanation back then. I did some digging into the past few months and the fact that I couldn’t find any of the rumours he brought up really caught me off guard. There was nothing at all — be it in those tabloids or on social media. As far as I know, there is no way the rumours from a top model like you could be entirely covered, even with the help of the best public relations team. Don’t you find it preposterous too?” 

He added, his hard gaze never leaving the model, who clearly looked even more uneasy at his reasoning. The uncomfortable tension between them was thick enough to cut with a knife, with neither of them saying a word. The lack of any rebuttal from him only reinforced his presumption further.

“Blade, what’s your ulterior motive?”

He was definitely hiding something from him. There was something more to this “fake relationship” deal. 

Blade, who had been suspiciously quiet the whole time, eventually sighed in resignation. He turned his head back to Dan Heng with a sharp retort, “What makes you so certain I’m scheming anything behind our relationship? Have you ever considered that I do, in fact, have a PR team capable of handling all this nonsense?” 

Before Dan Heng could say a word, he pressed on irritably, giving the other no chance to come up with another argument, “Seriously, you idiot. What’s the point of you sticking around if you never place your trust in me? You could’ve just left the room and found a new job if you weren’t interested in this arrangement. And bear in mind, you signed off on your own records, neither of us had compelled you. Can’t you place even a bit of faith in your boyfriend?”

Dan Heng exhaled deeply, his hands thrown up in exasperation. As if he could even have faith in someone with a tendency to be evasive about everything. He had lost count of how many times he was dismissed with a “take a guess” or “perhaps” whenever he tried to get to know the other, even if it was just the slightest question about his preferences. He was so close to considering bailing out of this contractual relationship that shouldn’t have happened.

“Cut the bullshit, will you? Like I’m a fool for indulging in your delusional thoughts. And to answer your question, I never said I’m not interested in this deal. It’s you who never bothers to appreciate me as your ‘partner’. I really wonder if you’re just using me to satisfy your touch-deprived needs,” he bit back, his tone laced with defiance. He couldn’t help but feel a pang of bitterness with the thought of being treated as nothing more than his stress relief.

Blade pinched the bridge of his nose with his eyes closed, his head throbbing with growing irritation. This was getting more and more ridiculous as the argument escalated. He might be the arrogant model who never hesitated to leave any snarky remarks on the surface, but when it came to his inner feelings, he could barely find the right words. He was never good at expressing himself with words to begin with. And now, with Dan Heng’s accusation of mistreating him as a mere tool for his own needs, he knew he had to clear things up, lest this small quarrel turn into another full-blown misunderstanding.

“Listen here, you idiot. I have never taken advantage of you. Never. You could have voiced your dissatisfaction, and yet you say nothing, didn’t you?” he retorted. However, it seemed his explanation alone wasn't enough to soothe the other’s resentment as Dan Heng hissed, “Hah, have you forgotten your whatsoever rules? No talking back, remember? And you’re complaining about me not speaking up? Talk about bias…”

The realisation finally dawned on Blade that he had indeed mentioned the rule back when he first brought him back to his place. He clicked his tongue in annoyance — not at Dan Heng, but him being a hypocrite. From the corner of his eye, he noticed Dan Heng had turned his head away from him, making it impossible to read his expression. 

Unsure if he was genuinely upset or merely pretending, Blade was on the verge of calling him out, but he hesitated. His pride wouldn’t allow him. His arrogant self refused to acknowledge he was in the wrong. There was a valid reason behind his seemingly absurd rule. Why would he bend the rule just to give in to his ridiculous tantrums? As if he could ever swallow his pride and…

“Dan Heng.”

…Fuck pride.

Dan Heng snapped his head back toward him, eyes widening in genuine surprise. For the first time ever, he was addressed by his name instead of being called that “idiot” nickname. Either he was hallucinating from having too much caffeine or the model had lost his mind. 

That’s what he thought.

“Come a little closer, will you?” Blade asked, a rare flicker of tenderness crossed his eyes, his left hand extending outward — not grabbing him yet, but within reach. Dan Heng, who was still in shock by the sudden change in his demeanor, stared blankly at him speechless. 

Before he could react, Blade shook his head lightly, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He uncrossed his legs and leaned forward, grabbing his forearm on the armrest before pulling him closer. Dan Heng couldn’t stifle a surprised yelp as he toppled onto his lap, his hands instinctively coming to rest on Blade’s shoulders. Blade shifted his grip from the other’s forearm to the back of his neck, his other arm encircling his waist, leaving him no room to escape.

“Blade?! What are you—”

“Shut up, idiot.” 

Blade pulled him closer to his chest, holding his head against his shoulder. Noticing the way Blade’s grip around his waist tightened when he tried to squirm, Dan Heng could only sigh in defeat, reluctantly accepting his fate of being stuck in this intimate position. He allowed himself to relax in his embrace, tilting his head sideways to sneak a glance at the model, who had fallen silent with his gaze lowered. 

“You’re acting really strange, you know,” he noted, as though the other was oblivious to his own unusual behaviour. Blade huffed, his hold around his waist tightening just a fraction. “Can’t I simply enjoy my emotional support from my boyfriend? Today has been a long day,” he grumbled.

He swallowed the lump in his throat before releasing a heavy sigh as he added, “I know I’m not being fair here. I have no clue that the way I worded things would make you lose trust in me, idiot. Words have never been my strongest suit.” 

Dan Heng stared at him with his eyebrows raised, not expecting to hear him speaking with such genuine sincerity. Blade took his silence as his cue to continue on, “I understand this arrangement was only meant for three months only. Still…” he paused momentarily, contemplating his next words before muttering, so softly that only the other in his lap could hear him.

“I want you to rely on me, idiot. Even if it’s just a bit. But don’t you dare back out. Please.”

He then fell silent, his hold around Dan Heng’s waist remained unwavering while his other hand rubbed the back of his neck absentmindedly. Dan Heng couldn’t help a quiet sigh escaping his lips as he realised, oddly enough, that he definitely had a thing for being rubbed at the back of his neck. No matter how mad he was, he couldn’t bring himself to hold a grudge against him. Not when he was holding him so intimately, with his hand rubbing the spot he secretly relished.

He knows what he is doing.

“You…” he muttered, his gaze fixed on Blade’s face despite not being able to see his expression from this angle. It was indeed a refreshing sight to see the usually arrogant model, who always wore that signature cocky smirk, acknowledging his wrongdoing in such an insecure manner. 

And yet… he couldn’t help the ache in his chest at seeing him feel guilty. 

“I never said I’m backing out. I’m just mad at you for not being sincere to me. You…” Dan Heng sighed, pulling back slightly to meet the other’s gaze. Only then did Blade stop rubbing the back of his neck, though he still kept a firm hold around his waist. He tilted his head up as well, crimson red eyes met pale teal. 

Dan Heng could feel the reprimand on the tip of his tongue, yet the way Blade looked at him with his brows furrowed, the corner of his lips downturned in a sulk, held him back. What's more, with the occasional squeeze at the back of his neck from Blade as a silent plea, he really didn’t have the heart to turn him down.

“Whatever. Just… be honest with me next time, okay?” 

He knew he was utterly defeated. 

He didn’t miss the way Blade’s eyes lit up with excitement in a flash, his sulky frown replaced by that all-too-familiar smirk again. With a swift pull, Dan Heng was once again held close to Blade’s chest. Before he knew it, Blade tugged the high collar of his sweater aside, exposing his neck to the cool air. He stared intently at his now-bared neck, licking his upper lip, as if he was parched with thirst.

“Oi! You will stretch it out —!”

With no hesitation, Blade sank his teeth into the side of his neck — not deep enough to draw blood, but definitely enough to leave a prominent mark for the next few days. 

“Are you a dog?! That hurts!” Dan Heng exclaimed, lifting his hand up in an attempt to push the other’s head from his neck. However, Blade‘s reflexes were faster than his as he let go of his waist and moved to the back of his head, pressing him more firmly against his chest.

“Blade! What are you doing…” his protest soon died out at the feeling of the other’s lips barely grazing just above his pulse point — a silent reminder for what was to come. 

With his head being held firmly, Dan Heng could only bite on his lower lip, stifling the quiet gasps that threatened to spill out with Blade leaving trails of deep red hickeys along his neck. His hands involuntarily flew up to grip the other’s shoulders, his fingers digging deep into the fabric. He couldn’t stop the soft whine escaping his lips when Blade sucked at the particular spot right above his throbbing pulse. 

“Blade…”

It wasn’t until his neck was littered with red hickeys and shallow bites, along with a vivid deep bite mark at the junction of his neck, that Blade finally pulled away with a satisfied hum. He reluctantly loosened his grip on Dan Heng’s head, allowing him to lean back and adjust his collar. 

“What was that for?!” Dan Heng chided, his deeply flushed face practically screaming his humiliation at being lapped like a dog. With the number of love bites left on his neck, he knew he had no choice but to wear any high-collared outfits for the entire week. 

Meanwhile, the culprit clearly felt more than content with his masterpiece as Blade huffed in amusement, resting his head against his hand propped on the armrest. “That’s my consideration of your promise and a declaration,” he smirked, taking in the sight of Dan Heng holding his collar high, his face burning red. 

“What kind of declaration involves biting?” Dan Heng questioned, clearly not buying his answer.

“A declaration that you belong to me. I can’t have my boyfriend running around feeling unloved by his own boyfriend. Get used to my love language, idiot,” Blade teased, raising his other hand to flick his forehead gently. His smirk grew wider as Dan Heng swatted his hand away, rubbing the spot with a sulk.

“Seriously… you’re such a pain in the ass!” he grumbled, his irritation still lingering in his tone. 

Blade merely chuckled at his feisty outburst, secretly knowing he would still tolerate his annoyance despite the complaints. He wrapped his arms around his waist once more, pulling him close, as he wasn’t finished with him yet.

“I have been wanting to bring this matter up for a while now. You’re reacting to everything like you’ve never been in a relationship before, idiot.” he teased, eyes glistening with a hint of amusement. Dan Heng couldn’t help rolling his eyes in annoyance, retorting, “You don’t have to spell it out if you have the answer, genius.”

The amusement in Blade’s gaze faded, replaced by surprise as his eyes shot open, his hold instinctively tightened around his waist. The fact that Dan Heng hadn’t been in any relationship before him gave him a deep sense of… relief?

“Not even once? Even when you were living overseas?” he asked, not bothering to hide the surprise in his voice. When the other nodded his head in affirmation, the doubts in his mind dissipated in a flash, leaving only a spark of hope.

A hope that he had held on to for so long.

“I only moved overseas when I was 16 during high school, because of my parents’ work. I rarely socialised with my peers and I wasn’t really putting any effort into getting into a relationship. I guess that explains why,” Dan Heng explained with a nonchalant shrug, as though he was stating the obvious. 

Yet, his clarification alone didn’t seem enough to satisfy Blade’s curiosity. He continued to press further, his voice shaking with desperation, “What about before you moved overseas? Do you remember having any relationship back then? Maybe during your old school days?” 

Dan Heng, unfortunately, was too dense to pick up his sudden change of emotion as he pondered, scratching the side of his face with his finger, “My old school days? That would probably be at Stellis International School… I can’t really remember. It has been almost a decade since I left. Perhaps nothing memorable happened back then, let alone any relationship.”

There was a brief moment when Blade’s eyes widened, his jaw dropping in absolute disbelief, before he masked it with a click of his tongue in annoyance. 

Once an idiot, always an idiot.

“Blade? You —!” Dan Heng couldn’t finish his sentence as Blade reached up to grab his face and pull him down to eye level. Crimson red eyes bore into pale teal ones, before Blade murmured, “You always believe the truth you see before your eyes, yet it never occurs to you to wonder whether the truth is just a lie. You can’t really be this naive, idiot.”

With his face squished between Blade’s unyielding grip, Dan Heng could only let out a muffled, confused hum. He had absolutely no idea why the model sounded so offended and even a bit… dejected. Did the idea of him not having any relationship experience piss him off that much? 

As if on cue, a soft knock on the door broke the tension between them as the staff informed, “Sorry for the disturbance. We have resolved the technical issues, and the director will resume the shoot in the next five minutes. Please get ready soon.”

Blade huffed in annoyance, knowing he had no choice but to go back for the last shoot. He leaned in and placed a kiss on Dan Heng’s cheek before pulling away. “We aren’t finished here, idiot. We’ll continue the talk later,” he mumbled, lifting the other from his lap with both his hands on his waist. 

Dan Heng reached up to rub his face, pressing his lips together, watching Blade stand up from his seat to smooth out his suit with both hands. “Did you forget to take your meds or what?” he grumbled, his face flushed with a tint of blush, still feeling puzzled by the sudden change in his demeanour.

His blush deepened when he felt another kiss planted on his cheek. 

“You’re my medicine, idiot,” Blade smirked. No matter how many times he did it, he still couldn’t get over how easily the other became flustered from just a kiss. “Let’s get this over with quickly,” he added, reaching down to grab Dan Heng’s hand, lacing his fingers with his before heading back out to the studio,

He really forgets to take his meds.

“Alright, we got the shots we need. That’s a wrap, everyone.” 

The director, who was pleased with the result of the shoot, decided it was time to wrap up. Blade gave a small nod of thanks to the crew before making his way back to the dressing room. He couldn't help releasing a relieved sigh, the tension in his shoulders fading away. As his last photoshoot of the day came to an end, he could finally get his well-deserved rest after a long day.

And have Dan Heng all to himself.

Dan Heng had already finished packing their belongings when Blade swung the door open, taking long strides towards him. “We’ll head back once I’m out of this outfit. It’s suffocating me,” he said, ruffling the other’s hair playfully. 

Dan Heng involuntarily lowered his head with his eyes closed, a silent approval for the model to do as he pleased with his already tousled hair. “Don’t you have a virtual meeting about the private event with the designer from Balenciaga later?” he asked, the details of his schedule already memorised.

Blade sighed, clicking his tongue in irritation as he realised the meeting had completely slipped out of his mind. “Push the meeting back to tomorrow morning, I will go through it with her over the phone,” he replied, his unpleasant evident at having his plan for the night interrupted. 

“But the meeting was scheduled weeks ago and you were the one who set the date. Won’t the designer get…” 

Before Dan Heng could protest the pointless delay of the meeting, Blade patted his head to assure him, his touch affectionate despite his harsh tone, “Don’t get so worked up, idiot. It’s not like I’ve ever held it off for any good reasons before. Besides, we’ll end up having a late dinner if we don’t head back now. Give me five minutes.”

“Late dinner? You’re cooking tonight?” Dan Heng questioned. Blade simply hummed in response, taking his hand off his head as he walked towards the changing room, “Of course, idiot. You aren’t getting any nutrients from those takeaways, you’re too skinny to be healthy.”

“Skinny? What gives you the idea that I’m considered skinny? It’s not like I’m malnourished,” he protested, his eyes narrowing into a glare, bewildered by his comment about his lean physique when he clearly spent his time working out. 

Blade shook his head with an amused sigh before turning back to him and giving him a gentle flick on his forehead. “I’ve bought your favourite stinky tofu, so just wait here and be a good boyfriend, alright,  idiot?” he snickered, smirking as he walked away once more, leaving Dan Heng rubbing his forehead where he had been flicked.

“... How did he know my favourite?”

It was nearly nine in the evening when Dan Heng slumped onto the couch with a sigh, his hair slightly damp from the shower. Still feeling full from the hearty meal, he couldn’t help rubbing his stomach absently, his head tilted back over the headrest of the couch. There was no denying that ever since he had moved in with Blade, he never once left the dining table unsatisfied. 

Strangely enough, even though he had never mentioned his own preference, the dishes Blade served were seasoned just right for his taste, as if he remembered it all too well. 

Or perhaps he was observant enough to pick up on the small details of his preferences.

“Meoogrr…”

He lifted his head to find Rice sitting on top of the coffee table, its tail raised high as it blinked slowly at him. “Rice? Come here,” he chuckled, patting his thigh as a gesture for the cat to come over. Without saying a word, it immediately got back on all fours and leaped onto his lap, a pained yelp escaping his lips. 

“Ouch! You’ve definitely got fatter these days…” he murmured with a resigned smile, moving his hand from his stomach to pet the feline’s back. Oblivious to the harm it caused to its owner, Rice lifted its head high, bumping his chin …

… Before climbing down from his lap to join Sesame, who was lying on its side at the other end of the couch, napping.

Dan Heng felt the corner of his mouth twitch as his gaze followed Rice snuggling against Sesame, who started licking its head with its eyes still closed. He couldn’t help but scrutinise the sight of his cat choosing to walk past him like a speed bump, just to join another cat which it had only known for a few weeks. 

“Seriously? I’ve never seen you get close to another cat without a fight, and now you're choosing another cat over me? Especially when it is Blade’s cat?!” he sighed in utter disbelief while Rice, clearly unaware of its owner’s protest, purred contentedly with Sesame licking its head clean.

Just then, he felt a pair of hands rest on his shoulders, followed by a soft kiss on his cheek. “Never expect you to get jealous of a cat, idiot,” Blade teased. He had been leaning against the door frame of his bedroom for five minutes after his shower, silently watching the hilarious interaction between Dan Heng and his cat. 

Embarrassed at being called out to be envious of a feline, Dan Heng rolled his eyes, lifting his hand to push the other’s head away from him. “Shut up, you’re not helping here,” he grumbled, earning himself an amused chuckle from Blade, who slid his hands off his shoulders. 

“Alright, you feisty idiot. You definitely need a drink to wind down,” Blade said, already making his way to the fridge, as if informing rather than asking. Dan Heng took a quick glance at the clock before turning back to him, confused. 

“It’s only Tuesday.”

“So? We’ll have a lot on our plates for a while. This is the only time we get to relax, idiot. You didn’t seem bothered about getting drunk on a random Thursday night back then,” Blade retorted, as though he didn’t know the obvious.

Dan Heng let out a defeated sigh, running a hand through his hair. That was the only time he had drunk outside of his working hours, and it just happened to be when the model met him drunk for the first time. Why did he always keep bringing up the past? 

“... Whatever.”

“Idiot, you’re really lightweight, huh?”

Blade placed his glass back on the coffee table, taking in the sight of Dan Heng resting his head on a hand propped against the armrest, his eyes closed with a hint of blush tinting his cheeks. “It’s just grape-flavoured soju and this is only your second serving. Your tolerance for alcohol is really something else. Weren’t you a bartender before?” he smirked, cupping his face to guide him to lean against his shoulder.

“So? Being a bartender… doesn’t mean you’ve to… be good at drinking…” he responded, his words slurred in his drunken state. Blade snorted, reaching down to take the ring Dan Heng wore around his neck, studying the delicate jewellery between his fingers. “You know what, idiot? You shouldn’t have taken those shots back at the bar. If you had met someone other than me that day, who knows what would have happened to you?” he commented, his eyes lingering on the ring for a moment longer before turning back at the drunken man.

Dan Heng, clearly far too intoxicated to process his words properly, simply let out a confused hum. Blade couldn’t hold back his laughter as he cupped the other’s face in one hand, his thumb caressing his cheek in slow circles. 

“You’re really cute like this, idiot. Not so feisty now,” he chuckled. 

Dan Heng narrowed his eyes into a glare, mumbling, “I’m not… Don’t call me… that…” 

Blade had to bite the inside of his cheeks to stifle his laughter, relishing this rare moment of having a drunken Dan Heng in his hands. “Is our drunk idiot here mad about getting called cute? What should I do to earn your forgiveness then, idiot?” he asked, his tone playful yet sincere.

As if the feeling of intoxication had taken full hold of his mind, Dan Heng eventually nodded off, leaning his head against the other’s hand. With his eyes now closed as he succumbed to sleep, he didn’t notice the way Blade’s smile faded back to his usual emotionless expression…

… And the feeling of Blade leaning down, brushing his lips over his own for a brief moment before pulling away, his other hand clutching the ring so tight that its shape was imprinted in his skin.

“... The same old way, huh, idiot?”

“Your coffee is here, idiot…”

Blade’s voice trailed off as he noticed Dan Heng dozing off, his elbow resting on the table, head leaning on his hand. Papers of Advanced Maths were scattered across the small table, some covered in messy calculations and scribbled lines from the pen with the tip still out. 

The café was relatively quiet, save for occasional giggles from the other diners and the clatter of teaspoons against cups. The faint hum of piano music reverberated through every secluded corner of the room, filling it with a unique sense of tranquillity that left the others oblivious to the student who couldn’t take his eyes off his sleepy boyfriend, an iced coffee still in his hand. 

Blade stood in place, slightly surprised to see him napping here of all places. Just then, a mischievous idea flashed through his mind, and a sly smile crept up his face before he moved closer to the sleeping student.

“... What the —?!”

Dan Heng’s eyes immediately snapped open the moment he felt an icy sensation prickle his skin, leaving a pale red mark on his cheek. He turned to find the culprit taking his seat next to him, placing the iced coffee on the coaster before handing it back to him. 

“What’s that supposed to be? You could’ve woken me up in a better way!” Dan Heng scolded, taking a sip of the coffee without forgetting to land a hard slap on the culprit’s arm. 

Blade chuckled, rubbing the spot where he was slapped, unfazed by his boyfriend’s feistiness. “Because I am the top student here, what can you do about it? You’re the one who asked me to help you with your assignments. Consider yourself lucky to get a wake-up call from your senior,” he teased, rolling up his uniform sleeve, his school blazer long since taken off with Dan Heng’s draped over the chair across the table.

Dan Heng couldn’t help rolling his eyes at his snarky comment, grumbling under his breath, “I’m a fool for asking you to help me.” 

Watching Dan Heng set the coffee while readjusting his grip on the pen to refocus on the assignment, Blade huffed in amusement. He reached out to poke his side gently, only for the other to shift away with a grumpy hum. He, with his unyielding determination, gave another gentle poke. As anticipated, the other shifted even further, turning his back to Blade.

“Is our feisty idiot angry?” Blade asked, his head cocked to the side with that teasing smile. Dan Heng let out a deep, resigned breath, muttering, “Asking the obvious, isn’t he?” 

Despite lowering his voice, Blade couldn’t help but snicker as he caught every word of it. Without saying a word, he reached out to hold Dan Heng’s face in one hand, tilting his head to meet his gaze. 

“Blade? You…” 

His eyes barely widened when Blade leaned in, pressing a soft kiss on his lips — an unspoken apology in a simple gesture. Dan Heng pulled away just a bit, a faint blush creeping across his cheeks as he whispered, “Is this how you plan to earn my forgiveness? That’s such a cheap move.”

Blade smirked, caressing his cheek with his thumb in slow circles. “Yet this cheap move always works like a charm, doesn’t it?” he murmured.

He leaned in for another kiss, this time lingering on his lips for a few seconds longer. Dan Heng let out a sigh through his nose, leaning forward to return the kiss, his eyes fluttering shut. 

I’m really a fool for you…

Chapter Text

“We’re back…”

Dan Heng muttered, the weariness in his voice evident. He made a quick job of taking off his sneakers before stepping inside, while Blade crouched down, untying his shoelaces with a heavy sigh. Sesame, who had long been awaiting their return atop the foyer cabinet, jumped down with a grumbly meow, rubbing against Dan Heng’s legs despite its annoyance at their late arrival. 

The living room was dimly lit, with only the wall lights illuminating the spacious room with a faint glow. With the clock hands striking exactly twelve with a low yet clear clicking sound, a new day had begun, in spite of them having returned only five minutes ago.

“Meoooow…”

Blade huffed in amusement, letting go of the shoelaces and holding his fingers out for Rice, who showed up late with a big yawn, to rub its head against him. “Did we disturb your beauty sleep?” he asked, his words answered by its lazy purr. 

“We haven’t returned this late before. Guess they aren’t used to it,” Dan Heng mumbled, leaning down to give a half-hearted scratch on Sesame’s back before straightening up. With a few long strides, he flopped onto the couch, the tension in his shoulders easing with the exhausted sigh muffled by the leather beneath his face. 

There was no denying that Blade’s work and success he accumulated through the years had earned him a distinguished reputation as a top model. Be it formal attire or casual homewear, he could pull off any style of outfit with ease, as if he were born to look good in anything. Even if he were to show up wearing a trash bag, the brands would still be willing to line up to make him as their ambassador. 

Naturally, the more fame he achieved, the greater responsibility and expectations he had to bear.

“What’re the brands thinking, seriously? Making you run for multiple campaigns in a single day?” Dan Heng sighed in exasperation, knowing it was more a statement than a question. He could hear the model’s amused snicker, followed by the sound of his light footsteps towards him. 

“It’s Fashion Week we’re talking about, idiot. Do you really expect a top model like me to slack off at a time like this?” Blade snorted, dropping down on one knee next to him. He reached out to tap lightly on the other’s head with his index finger, muttering softly, “You’re going to suffocate yourself, idiot. Look at me.”

Reluctantly, Dan Heng turned his head to the side, only to meet that familiar crimson red eyes boring into his. Even with the mild dark circles beneath the model’s weary eyes, they still glistened unusually with a faint flicker of tenderness, along with that rare, soft smile of his…

… Somehow, it was eerily familiar. 

“Why are you still wearing this empty frame on you, idiot? I don’t remember you wearing glasses before.” Blade asked, sliding the glasses frame off his face and placing it on the coffee table. Red marks were left on the other’s face, especially across the bridge of his nose. Shaking his head in disapproval, Blade cupped his cheek, his touch soft as he rubbed the reddened marks on the bridge of his nose.

“It’s just for the look, that’s all. “ Dan Heng mumbled, exhaustion seeping into his voice, a clear sign of his fatigue. Blade, who had clearly picked up the weariness radiating from his body, merely chuckled, finding it hilarious to see his assistant being more exhausted than the model himself. 

Still, he couldn't bring himself to fault him, especially since Dan Heng had been handling all the trivial errands and coordinating with the staff on his own, making sure the scheduled photoshoots could be completed without any disturbances. 

“Does talking to the staff and brand representatives tire you to this extent, idiot? Your stamina is pathetic,” he smirked, which earned himself a weak slap on his forearm from his exhausted boyfriend. “Shut up. You aren’t helping me here. Mental stamina and physical endurance are two different things, genius,” Dan Heng grumbled, already tired of the small banter, his eyelids growing heavier. 

Blade released his hold on his cheek and lifted him up by his shoulders, pulling him upright on the couch. He deliberately ignored the ache in his knee for kneeling too long as he perched on the armrest, turning to face the back of the couch with his hand steadying Dan Heng’s head against his leg before it lolled to the side. 

“What do you mean I’m not helping, idiot? And here I was thinking you’ve already noticed the changes in my schedule,” despite the scolding tone, the way Blade ran his hand through the other’s hair in a soothing manner betrayed his true feelings. Dan Heng couldn’t help but let out a sigh of contentment, his tired body relaxing at the sensation of being caressed. “Changes? I didn’t receive any updates for your schedule though,” he murmured.

“It’s nothing too important. I have turned down the events in other cities, but we still have to head to Tokyo in the next two weeks. Maybe that nosy Jing Yuan updated it on your behalf. Why is he doing your job, anyway…” he explained, his tone laced with feigned annoyance at the mention of his agent stepping in without telling the other beforehand.

Though he wouldn’t admit it aloud he wasn’t actually against it.

“... Wait, you’re skipping the other cities?” the sudden news of the top model withdrawing from Fashion Week in other cities made Dan Heng jolt out from his sleepy daze. His eyes widened slightly, his head tilting up to meet the other’s gaze, confused. “I thought you just mentioned you weren’t the type to slack off, particularly at major events?” he questioned. No sane model would dare miss Fashion Week — the only time that offers higher exposure and better pay than any other event.

Amused by his dumbfounded reaction, as if he had been told the most horrible news, Blade huffed and gave his nose a gentle pinch. “Great responsibilities also come with great privileges, idiot. I’ve long passed the stage of proving myself with these events. Missing out on one or two cities won’t tarnish my image I’ve built up over the years.” 

He let go of his nose and leaned down to brush his lips against his cheek, planting a soft, promising kiss before continuing, “Besides, I can’t have my boyfriend burning out before I do, right? Who would I lean on when I’m stressed out during the sets, idiot?”

A minute or two had passed before Dan Heng could process his words, and the only response he could muster was a puzzled “ah.” Blade didn't bother to explain any further as he pressed another kiss, firm yet gentle, on his cheek once more before pulling away, sighing in satisfaction, “Get some sleep, idiot. Tomorrow’s another busy day.”

With one last ruffle of his hair, Blade got up from the armrest of the couch and headed back to his own room, leaving Dan Heng alone, still bemused by the confrontation. He lifted his hand, fingertips absently  grazing his cheek where the warmth of the other’s lips still lingered from seconds ago. 

More than a month had passed since the day Dan Heng moved in with Blade. He had already grown accustomed to the other’s physical affections without flushing red in embarrassment, whether it was the daily morning kiss on the crown of his head upon waking, or the teasing kiss on his cheek whenever he was frustrated with the other during work. 

Yet, he couldn’t pinpoint why a small part of him would yearn for more whenever the model’s touch slipped away. 

Ridiculous. Dan Heng told himself.

He knew he had made it clear before that there would be no feelings involved in this contractual relationship. Nothing more. But his words seemed to fall on Blade’s deaf ears given how earnest and eager he was, as if this relationship had been sincere from the start. 

With the initial surprise now worn off, he let out a big yawn, the familiar weariness finally catching up to him. He rose from the couch to pick up his frames on the table and make his way down the hallway toward his own room. He cast one last glance at the master’s bedroom, its door shut for a while, before shaking his head and walking away, determined.

Like this so-called relationship mattered to me.

“We’ll begin in five minutes.”

Blade gave a small nod in acknowledgement with the director assistant's announcement. The moment she closed the door of the private dressing room with a soft click, he made his way to Dan Heng’s side and ruffled his hair, who didn’t even bother to look up at this point. 

“Don’t miss me too much when I’m gone, idiot.”

“You know, you don’t have to always check in with me before your shoot. You’re making me look like a mess,” Dan Heng said, his tone nonchalant. His eyes never once left the tablet in front of him, his fingers hovering the screen as he was busy arranging the transportation for the next few days. 

Blade snorted, clearly unfazed by his harmless reminder, “Do I think I’m concerned about your messy look? You —”

Ding — 

With the interruption of the sudden notification, the teasing remarks on the tip of Blade’s tongue died away as he glanced at his phone on the table, its screen lighting up. He stopped ruffling the other’s already-tousled hair before reaching down to take his phone and tap on the notification. It brought him to the app for the automatic cat feeder back at his place, and a message box instantly popped up on the interface.

Warning! Please refill the container as soon as possible!

Blade raised his eyebrows in scepticism, recalling if he had really forgotten to recall the feeder before they left the place. With another tap on the screen, the message box vanished, replaced by the surveillance feed from the feeder’s camera. 

“Meowgrrrll —”

He could practically feel shivers run down his spine just from the death stares of the two hungry felines through the screen. Sesame let out a loud meow of complaint while Rice batted at the camera with its paw, as if the feeder would dispense the food after some punches. The cats had no idea how busy their owners had been during Fashion Week, they only knew it was unforgivable to leave them starving. 

“Did anything happen to them? Sesame sounds pretty upset,” the angry meow from the phone piqued Dan Heng’s curiosity as he finally looked up from his tablet, tilting his head to look at the model with concern. “I fucking forgot to refill the feeder. We came back home late last night and left in a rush this morning. It completely slips out of my mind,” Blade grumbled, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration, his gaze still fixed on the screen where Rice continued its relentless punches at the feeder. 

“Thankfully, we only have one campaign on today’s schedule, though the director couldn’t tell me how long it’ll take. When was the last time they were fed?” Dan Heng asked, his brows knitted together in concern. Blade pursed his lips in contemplation, before he sighed in resignation, “Yesterday evening. But by the time we get back after the shoot to feed them, they’ll have finished plotting our murder.”

After a few seconds of his mind churning with a plan, Blade spoke up. “Listen here, idiot. Go find the staff and have them drive you back to feed them. It’s almost my turn for the shoot. Be quick.” he instructed, turning his phone off after one final glance at the cats. Dan Heng nodded, packing the tablet back to his bag with no hesitation. There was no time to lose, especially with the cats already on the verge of wreaking havoc.

Just then, his wrist was grabbed and before he could turn around, he felt a quick peck landed on his cheek. “Don’t miss me too much, idiot,” Blade teased with his grip around his wrist tightened just a fraction before letting him go. Dan Heng was caught off guard for a moment before regaining his composure, muttering a soft “see you” as he pulled the door open and walked away, parting ways with the model.

Come back soon, idiot.

“I’m back!”

Dan Heng swung the front door wide open, only to be met with grumpy meows filling the spacious living room. Taking off his shoes hastily, he tossed his coat on the couch before making his way to the dining area where the cat feeder was placed. There, Rice was sitting right in front of the feeder, which, fortunately, remained unscattered despite its angry punches earlier. It glanced up at its owner with “that look”, tail swishing from side to side, its irritation practically overflowing.

A silent threat to leave a “stenchful present” on his bed.

“Please don’t do it, Rice,” Dan Heng pleaded, as though he could read the malicious plan in its mind. Without wasting a second, he grabbed the opened packet of the cat food from the cabinet, removed the lid of the feeder and poured the food into the container. He sighed in relief when the feeder finally dispensed its breakfast after reaching the minimum level of the refiller, muttering, “Do you realise that you’ve been spoiled rotten ever since you came here? Blade has been feeding you way too much for your own good — Ouch!”

Annoyed at being told not to eat too much, Rice sank its teeth into its owner’s leg through the fabric of his pants. Not hard enough to draw blood, but painful enough to warn him not to interfere with its feast.

“Damn it, Rice… What did that man feed you to make you betray me?” Dan Heng grumbled, crouching down to rub the spot where he had been bitten by his feline, who seemed to be unbothered at all, its attention fixated on the food in the feeder. 

A resigned sigh escaped his lips. He should’ve known better it would trot over to anyone who could feed it a mountain of chicken, and Blade obviously was one of them. As he stared blankly at Rice, lost in thought, he only realised something was off with the absence of a certain feline.

“... Where’s Sesame?” 

Dan Heng immediately stood back up, scanning the room to find the presence of the cat nearly coated in coal-black fur. Perhaps he was so focused on the task at hand that he didn’t realise the loud, grumpy noise hadn't been coming from Rice at the start. He ruled out the possibility of Sesame running off after a quick look at the front door, which he remembered closing despite the urgency.

“Meow — ”

He turned his gaze towards the source of its calls, only to find Sesame pawing at the door beside Blade’s bedroom across the living room. “Meeooww!” it cried even louder when he approached it in a few long strides. If it weren't for its loud cacophony of meows, Dan Heng might have actually felt pitiful for it.

“Sesame?” He asked, looking down at the distressed cat, who hadn’t stopped pawing ever once, before lifting his gaze to the door that led to the one room he had never entered ever since.

Blade’s study room.

Truth be told, the fact that Blade could tolerate anything he did — be it stacking tangerines on top of Sesame and Rice’s heads so they couldn’t disturb him from his peaceful reading moment or secretly adding sugar to Blade’s coffee whenever he pissed him off, and yet insisted on drawing the line at entering his study room, was highly suspicious.

He couldn’t forget how the only time he went near the room was to pick up Rice’s dragon plushie, which coincidentally was leaning against the study room’s door, made Blade lose it as he got up from the couch and hoisted him up with an arm around his weight straight away. Before he could protest, he was thrown onto the couch with a soft thud, followed by the model lying on top of him, arms wrapped around his torso and face buried in the crook of his neck, grumbling that he needed a cushion to lie on to nap on. 

Obviously, that was a big fat lie. Blade rarely napped.

“Meow!”

Sesame’s patience was slowly running thin with how it stood by the door on its hind legs, front paws trying to reach for the doorknob, as if it had left something important in the room. Dan Heng’s hands curled into fists tightly, his gaze flickering indecisively between the now-impatient cat and the door, marked with pale white scratches. 

The rational side of him urged him to stop overthinking by carrying Sesame back to the feeder and returning to the studio. Still, he couldn’t ignore the growing whispers from the impulsive side of him, tempting him to just take a sneak peek of what was inside the room, otherwise he couldn’t have a peace of mind with Sesame’s nonstop meowing. 

It took only a few seconds of his inner conflict to have his curiosity get the best of him.

A small peek should be fine, right? Dan Heng told himself.

With every step he took, he felt his heart pounding loudly in his chest, anticipation growing with each rapid breath. He had noticed light from the room seeping through the gap beneath the door countless times in the middle of the night when he went to the kitchen to grab water. From what he recalled, he hadn’t heard anything from the room, except for the sound of soft scribbling and pages turning. Lacking the courage to move further in, he only stood near the kitchen counter in the dark, eyes fixed on the room where Blade must have been. 

Despite sharing intimate moments for weeks, he couldn’t help but feel… distant for some reason. 

The moment his trembling hand touched the doorknob, he closed his eyes with a sharp inhale before letting out a deep breath. Seconds later, he opened his eyes again — this time with determination. 

Click.

With a firm twist of the doorknob, he pushed the door open. 

The mental image he had of Blade’s study room definitely didn’t match what he now saw with his own eyes. There was nothing in the room but only a large study desk in the middle, with a closed laptop lying on top of it, the minimalist design making the space feel deserted. Yet, the only things that seemed to be out of place were a few black binders scattered across the desk in stacks, some on the verge of tipping over.

“Meow…”

Dan Heng followed his gaze to Sesame, who had entered the room and walked behind the desk, only to return with a squeaky mouse toy in its mouth. With a graceful turn, it strolled out of the room casually, as if it owned this room and treated it as its personal storeroom. He watched, bewildered as the cat carried its favourite toy in its mouth and made its way to the kitchen to finally have breakfast with its buddy.

“All that fuss, just for a toy?”

He shook his head in utter bewilderment. Both of the cats in this household were definitely spoiled rotten. Finding nothing suspicious about the study room and reluctant to pry into Blade’s privacy any further, Dan Heng took a step back to close the door, almost pulling it shut until he noticed something.

An open book lay next to the laptop, a square-shaped white envelope slipped between pages.

He entered the room before his mind could react, his feet moving on their own as he approached the desk. 

I might as well indulge myself a bit. There won’t be a second time. He told himself.

With just a glimpse of the content, he could tell straight away it wasn’t fiction or literature. Both pages were filled with students’ portraits, each with a quote beneath, along with the bold title of “Class of ’25” on top of the layout. Undoubtedly, it was a yearbook.

There, among the portraits, was Blade, right in the middle.

Dan Heng couldn’t take his eyes off the youthful look of the model in the yearbook. He involuntarily reached out, his fingertips sliding across the portrait, as if he could feel the warmth of the man through the page. The innocence in him had surely faded away with the passage of time, yet the arrogance lingering in those sharp red eyes on the portrait never vanished. 

“Some things never change huh…” he muttered, his tone soft. Despite his firm resolve not to give in to this relationship, he couldn’t help but feel conflicted whenever his heart fluttered at the model’s eyes. After all, he knew he wasn’t the type to fall in love at first sight like in those ridiculous dramas. He must be overreacting.

Then he flipped to the front cover.

Stellis International School.

One second. Two seconds.

He flipped it back to the students’ portraits before turning to the cover again. Squinting his eyes one last time, and yet he still saw the golden embossed name of his former school gleaming on the cover. He had only one serving of coffee this morning, otherwise he would have blamed it on hallucinations. 

Unfortunately, it wasn’t an illusion.

“What the hell?” Dan Heng exclaimed, his voice laced with disbelief. The thought of Blade having gone to the same school as him, out of all the schools in the city, had never once crossed his mind. He flipped the book back to the students’ portraits where it had last been left open, and the gears in his head began to click into place.

Back then, when he mentioned that he couldn’t recall anything from his old school days before moving overseas, Blade, instead of giving his feisty remarks as usual, was unusually quiet, save for gripping his face and whispering words he couldn’t quite comprehend. At first, he was worried he might have upset him by lacking experience in love, even though it sounded childish to him. 

Perhaps, that wasn’t what Blade was really upset about.

From the corner of his eye, he noticed the envelope, the very reason he was here to begin with. He held the envelope high in the air between his thumb and index finger, narrowing his eyes to try to take a glimpse of what was inside. Through the light shining from the window, he could only make out a faint outline of a rectangle, which was clearly too small for a letter.

On top of that, he could feel there was something hard in it —

Buzz — Buzz —

Startled by the unexpected call, he set the envelope back in its original place before hastily picking up the phone. He hadn’t bothered to check the caller ID when the first thing he heard the call connected was…

“Idiot, where the hell are you?”

Dan Heng took a deep breath before replying to the caller, in an attempt to hide the guilt of discovering something he shouldn’t have. “Just finished feeding them. I’m about to head back out.” he replied, though his gaze never left the envelope tucked between the pages, his fingertips absently tracing its outline. 

There were a few seconds of silence from the other side of the call, save for the distant sound of people talking in the background. “... I’m heading out for the next session. The staff will drive you there. Don’t make me wait too long, idiot,” Blade said in a nonchalant manner, oblivious to the little adventure Dan Heng had embarked on behind his back. 

“Got it. Then I’ll see you later,” Dan Heng didn’t wait for a response from the other man before hanging up the call instantly. After a few minutes of making sure the envelope and yearbook were back in their original position, only then did he dare to leave the study room with a soft click of the door. 

There’ll be a second time. 

“Oi, idiot, You surely take your sweet time coming back.”

By the time Dan Heng returned to the designated location, the director had already wrapped up the session, with the crew packing up the equipment and props in the back. Blade, sitting on the foldable chair with his own casual outfit back on, cocked his head to the side as he glared at the other walking up to him, the crisp breeze brushing through his tousled hair.

“Did the two felines evolve into a Taotie? If not, you had better come up with a good reason to be this late. It’s absolutely ridiculous to keep the model waiting for two whole hours, idiot,” Blade chastised with his arms crossed, his displeasure evident with the scowl on his face. Dan Heng, however, seemed to be unbothered by his intimidating presence. He said in a flat, matter-of-fact tone with a shrug, “Traffic is heavy. What can you do about it, genius?”

“Heavy traffic my ass, It’s only three in the afternoon. Don’t try to fool me with that, idiot,” Blade retorted, clearly not convinced by that lame excuse. Before Dan Heng could come up with another smart counter, the sudden tingling feeling from his nose interrupted his train of thought for a second, forcing out an unexpected sneeze.

“Achoo!”

Instinctively, he reached up to rub his nose to ease the itch. Yet, he could feel the tingling sensation building up rapidly once more, turning his head to the side with his elbow lifted as he sneezed. 

“ — choo! — choo!” 

The sight of him sneezing like there was no end only deepened Blade’s frown. Unfolding his arms across his chest, he pushed himself up from his seat, leaning over Dan Heng with concern. “Are you allergic to the cold air, idiot?” he asked, the irritation from earlier completely forgotten. 

“As if I was allergic — Achoo!”

“... Idiot, where the hell is your coat? You’re really the dumbest idiot I have ever seen,” Blade reprimanded, finally noticing the absence of the other’s white coat on him. Without the slightest hesitation, he took off his own coat before draping it over Dan Heng’s shoulders, pulling it tighter around him in an attempt to keep him warm.

Wrapped in Blade’s thick black coat, the warmth of his body still lingering, Dan Heng couldn’t resist letting out a relieved sigh. “I left it on the couch. I was in a rush,” he explained, slipping his arms into the sleeves. The sleeves that once fit snugly at the model’s wrists now hung over his hands, covering halfway. 

“Don’t come to me when you find your coat covered in cat fur later,” Blade huffed, unsure whether to be amused to find his well-organised boyfriend could be this clumsy, or pitiful a the thought of finding his coat buried under tons of cat fur, especially when Rice was so fond of sprawling across its owner’s clothes whenever given the chance.

Still, the harshness in his tone stood in stark contrast with the way he lifted and held the other’s face in his hand, his skin cold to the touch. Dan Heng involuntarily leaned into his touch, his eyes fluttering shut with the sensation of his calloused fingertips caressing his cheekbone in a feather-light touch. Even though the sneezing had stopped after he was wrapped in the warmth by the model’s coat, he couldn’t stop the soft sniffling, accompanied by the slight jerks. 

“You haven’t grabbed lunch, right?” Blade asked, earning a subtle nod of affirmation from the other. “I already told you, the traffic was heavy,” Dan Heng muttered, his watery eyes blinking open as he gazed upwards.

Little did he know that beneath Blade’s straight face, his heart nearly exploded at the sight of Dan Heng in his coat, eyes watery and nose reddened from the constant sneezing. It was almost unbearable, to the point that he subconsciously curled his other hand into a tight fist, forcing all the intrusive thoughts in his mind to settle. 

He was so close to losing his composure. So close.

“Let’s get some warm food, idiot. You can't fall sick at a time like this,” he said, determined. Reluctantly, he released his hold, and Dan Heng took a small step back to readjust the coat around him.

The very next moment, he was lifted into the air, one arm around his lower back and the other under his legs.

“What the hell?!” Dan Heng exclaimed, tilting his head up to meet the model lowering his gaze as well, pale teal eyes locking with crimson red one. “I can walk perfectly fine! I’m not a toddler, alright? Put me down!” he protested, though his words clearly fell on deaf ears with a laugh from the model.

“Put you down? As if I ever would. I can keep you warmer like this, just accept your fate, idiot,” Blade teased with that familiar smirk, tightening his grip just a fraction to prove his point. As the model walked away, Dan Heng cast a quick glance back at the crew from a distance, who were oblivious to the model’s departure and the embarrassing position he was in. 

“They won’t see us, relax. Unless you want me to take a stroll around them, showing you off like a prized trophy…” Blade bit back his words down with a chuckle after a hard slap on his arm from Dan Heng, a clear hint to shut him up. Making his way to his car parked nearby, he shifted his grip, ensuring his boyfriend was comfortable in his arms. “If you are having a runny nose tomorrow, I’ll deduct your pay for slacking off,” he reprimanded, yet his teasing tone told a different story.

Dan Heng couldn’t help but sneer at his remarks, lifting his hand to rub the bridge of his nose. “Don’t underestimate me, genius. The cold doesn’t bother me, as if I would get sick just by forgetting my coat,” he snapped back, the defiance in his stuffy voice still evident. Blade shook his head in amusement, his smirk never faltering.

“We’ll see. idiot.”

“Achoo!”

He did end up having a runny nose. 

Dan Heng sighed, reaching for the tissue box in the middle of the table and pulling out a sheet. “When did I become this weak?” he muttered in confusion, blowing his nose into the tissue. His tolerance for cold had been exceptionally good to the point that he could shower in cold water during winters back when he was overseas. 

Tossing the tissue into the bin in a perfect arc, he turned his attention back to the tablet in front of him, unaware of the familiar presence looming behind. 

“I told you, idiot. You should’ve taken the medicine last night.”

Giving him no time to react, Blade lifted him up by his shoulders effortlessly and tossed him onto the couch at the corner of the dressing room. Dan Heng couldn’t help letting out a surprised yelp, his back landing on the soft fabric with a thud. “Hey, you can’t just toss me around like a toy!” he protested, pushing himself to sit upright.

Blade, pretending not to hear a thing from him, rummaged through his bag before pulling out a blister pack of pills. “Take two tablets now. They’ll help your runny nose now,” he instructed as he passed the pack to him. Grumbling under his breath, Dan Heng took it with a grumpy frown on his face. The model remained unfazed by his feisty look as he uncapped a bottle of water on the small table beside the couch and handed it to him.

“When did you even slip the medicine into my bag?” he asked, tilting his head back slightly before gulping down the pills with the water. Blade hummed in satisfaction, watching his feisty boyfriend finally taking them without putting up a fight. He put the unfinished bottle of water aside before placing his hands on the other’s shoulders.

“You never listen to me. So I put it in your bag before we left this morning. Lie still, idiot,” without further elaboration, Blade gently pushed him down as he reached out to grab the pillow, tucking it beneath the other’s head. Dan Heng sighed in resignation, muttering in protest, “Seriously, you’re making this a big deal. It’s just a runny nose, particularly a mild one.”

“Like I care,” Blade snapped, leaving no room for argument as he retrieved his black coat from the clothing rack before he draped it over him as a substitute for a blanket. “The pills you took have a drowsy effect. Having you here is better than counting on those two felines to take care of a sick idiot at home,” he added.

As if on cue, Dan Heng felt the effect kicking in with his eyelids growing heavily. Realising he could barely focus on his work with the drowsiness seeping in, he nodded in cooperation, shifting into a more comfortable position before mumbling, “You’re seriously making a fuss over trivial matters.”

Blade crouched down on one knee, cupping his face as he brushed his lips against his cheek in an apologetic manner. “I know, idiot. I know. Don’t think of anything else. Sleep,” he murmured, watching the other’s eyes flutter shut, finally succumbing to sleep.

I’m not leaving you. Anymore.

Chapter Text

“... Dan Heng… where’re you…”

“Stop whining like a toddler. I can literally hear you all the way from downstairs.”

Dan Heng reprimanded, though his tone held barely a trace of annoyance. With a steady grip on the bowl of steaming congee in one hand, he closed the bedroom door with a soft click. “You know I never leave you unannounced, right?” he continued, setting the bowl on the study desk before making his way to the bed, where his poor boyfriend had been lying sick for days.

Blade groaned, the towel on his forehead that had long lost its cool slipping off a little as he tilted his head to the side. “You weren’t here when I woke up just now. What were you thinking, leaving your sick boyfriend alone when he needs you the most?” he mumbled, his sulky face and flushed cheeks making him no different from a pitiful, drenched cat. 

Dan Heng bit the inside of his cheeks, trying to stifle a laugh from the way the oh-so arrogant student, who never failed to annoy him with that cocky smirk, was now revealing his miserable side. Not to mention how he had become so clingy, to the point that Dan Heng could only slip away when he was asleep. 

Cute.

Sitting at the edge of the bed, he set the towel aside, which had grown warm from the other’s body heat. “Your mother messaged me saying she had prepared congee for you. She told me you haven’t eaten anything since yesterday evening,” he explained while holding his sick boyfriend under his arms, helping him sit against the headboard before he continued, brows furrowed in concern, “You need to eat something if you want the energy to recover.”

“No appetite,” Blade grumbled, leaning his head against the headboard. Even with his eyes shut tight, waves of dizziness still swirled in his head. Despite having drunk glasses of water, he couldn’t get rid of the dry, parched sensation in his throat. His brows furrowed in discomfort when he vaguely felt a hand supporting the side of his head, accompanied by the beeping of the ear thermometer.

“38.1. That’s better than before. At least have a few bites so you can take your medicine, alright?” Dan Heng sighed, relieved to see the reading had gone down. Setting it back to the bedside table, he released his hold on the other’s head and picked up the bowl of congee from the desk, now warm enough to savour without burning the other’s throat.

Blade shook his head. “No energy. Can’t eat by myself,” he added. 

Dan Heng couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight of the other’s sulking face. He knew exactly what he was implying, and he was more than willing to indulge him. Call it the privilege Blade got to enjoy while playing the patient.

“I’ll feed you then, alright?” 

Reluctantly, Blade cracked his eyes open, tilting his head slightly to the side to see Dan Heng mixing the condiments into the congee with a quick stir. From the corner of his eye, a weak huff of amusement escaped his lips when he caught a glimpse of the excessive amount of pepper within it, his boyfriend mixing it in with the soft clink of the ceramic spoon against the bowl.

“You’re going to kill me with that absurd amount of pepper, idiot.”

“You’re being dramatic."

“No, I’m not.”

“Yes, you’re. Do you want to eat by yourself?”

Blade heaved a sigh of resignation. Knowing he wouldn’t stand a chance against his feisty boyfriend in this small banter, he straightened up into a more comfortable position, where Dan Heng was already waiting with a spoonful of congee. 

“How dare you threaten your sick boyfriend? And here I thought I could get pampered…” he grumbled. Yet, all he received was a soft, teasing laugh from Dan Heng, holding no ounce of empathy at all. Watching his now grumpy, sick boyfriend take a bite of the congee in reluctant cooperation, he snorted, “Pepper helps stimulate your taste buds, genius. The congee doesn’t taste that bland anymore, does it?”

… It’s not the pepper, idiot. It’s you.

“The tulips.”

“What is it, idiot?” 

Blade cocked his head to the side in curiosity, lying back on the bed as he watched the other caress the blooming red petal of the tulip. Unlike him, who could shamelessly shower his boyfriend with words of affection or gestures of physical intimacy, Dan Heng wasn’t the type to express his love out loud. 

Instead, he was more comfortable conveying his feelings through subtle gestures and gifts — whether it was hooking his pinky finger with Blade’s while finishing his assignment as the other dozed off on the library table, or giving him a hairpin decorated with white magnolias along with a red plate long knot. 

”Why don’t you leave them in the pot? I told you they’ll wither faster,” Dan Heng said, his eyes still focused on the tulips blooming in the vase. Back then, a bouquet of three red tulips was his answer to Blade’s confession, who had spent eight years of his life trying to win him over. Ever since that day, it had become a routine to bring him a fresh bouquet of tulips whenever he came over to his place. 

A habit he couldn’t seem to get rid of.

Blade chuckled as he rolled onto the side, a hand resting beneath his head, his crimson red eyes boring into his boyfriend’s back, “I prefer to keep them like this. Besides…”

“... It’s not like your love for me will wither just because the flowers do.”

Dan Heng’s hand stilled on the petals, his body visibly tensing. As he expected, the moment he turned around with his cheeks now tinted in faint blush, his eyes met that lazy smirk from the other despite his sickness. “You’re quite a smooth talker, aren’t you?” he mumbled, the embarrassment evident in his quiet voice.

“That’s my charm,” Blade smirked, that cocky grin soon melting to a softer smile as Dan Heng walked over and knelt beside him, reaching out to feel his temperature with the back of his hand. “Did the fever burn your brain cells by any chance? Why are you blurting those things out of nowhere?" he mumbled, wondering if the high fever had done something to his sick boyfriend. 

Blade couldn’t resist letting out an amused sigh. He lifted his free hand to hold the other’s hand on his forehead, intertwining their fingers in a tight grasp. Even though he was the one who was sick with a cold, his eyes held nothing but a rare flicker of endearment, as if he weren’t bothered by the illness at all. 

So long as he had Dan Heng by his side, he would be fine.

“Can’t you blame me for falling even harder for my boyfriend?” he replied. With a gentle tug on their interlocked hands, Dan Heng shook his head in amused resignation with the obvious hint. He pushed himself up from the ground, slipping beneath the warm covers with his boyfriend. 

“I’m gonna catch a cold from you, genius,” he protested softly, yet the way he involuntarily pressed a light kiss on the other’s collarbone contradicted his words. With his boyfriend back in his arms once more, Blade slid his other hand around his waist, pulling him closer.

“You don’t mind at all, idiot,” Blade mumbled, his eyelids growing heavier as the medicine he had taken began to take effect. Dan Heng sighed. With their bodies pressing together, legs tangled and hands firmly intertwined beneath the covers, there was no way he could escape again. His ears perked up when the other muttered something almost inaudibly before drifting off back into his dreamland. A heavy sigh escaped through his nose as he closed his eyes, allowing himself to relax in his boyfriend’s touch.

“... Love you too, genius.”

“Blade? Are you there?”

The unexpected knock on the door pulled Blade back to reality from his wandering memories. Opening his eyes, he pushed himself upright on the chair before grumbling, “Come in.” 

With the model’s approval, the door swung open. Jing Yuan, wearing his usual lazy smile, walked in with his phone in hand. “I wonder what kind of urgency would have the top model calling me without prior notice,” despite the carefree tone he carried, it couldn’t hide the mild annoyance from the agent who had set his works aside just to attend an urgent call.

“Shut it, Jing Yuan,” Blade snapped back, not feeling the slightest bit sorry. Being used to his insolence, the agent merely chuckled as he closed the door behind him with a soft click. Glancing around the room, he then noticed Dan Heng lying on the couch, his shallow breathing rising and falling steadily in deep sleep. 

“Ah, so that’s the case. The top model exploited his poor assistant to the fullest, and now I’m the next victim to suffer,” Jing Yuan joked, earning an annoyed scoff from the model. He shook his head with an amused sigh as he sat on the edge of the table with one leg crossed over the other before adding, “I’m just joking. There’s no need to be so worked up.” 

Blade huffed in irritation, “This idiot got sick before he could even finish his job. Seriously, I’m going to deduct his pay for slacking off.” Despite his harsh words, Jing Yuan couldn’t help but suppress a chuckle at the way the model’s eyes glistened with tenderness as he brushed his sleeping assistant’s cheek with the back of his knuckles.

With that small smile across his face, Jing Yuan was certain that his heartless words were nothing but an empty threat.

“Say the one who turned down the invitations in other cities during Fashion Week.”

Just then, a soft sigh escaped Dan Heng’s lips before his eyes slowly fluttered open, his brows knitted together in discomfort. Blade stilled his fingers against his cheeks for a moment, clearly not expecting him to be awake at this moment. Moving his hand to cup his face, Blade got down on one knee, murmuring in a hushed tone, “Hey, did we wake you up? You should go back to sleep, alright?”

Through his half-lidded eyes, Dan Heng could vaguely make out a blurry outline of a man kneeling in front of him. He could barely register any words from the other, except for the sensation of a thumb tracing light circles on his cheek while fingers running through his hair gently. With his nose partially blocked, it was nearly impossible for him to fall back asleep in this state. 

Noticing his sluggish reaction, Blade leaned in further and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. “Close your eyes, hm? I’ll be here when you wake up,” he murmured, his warm breath brushing against his skin. His smile widened when the only response his boyfriend could muster in his half-conscious mind was a breathy, confused hum.

Cute.

After a few minutes of Blade coaxing him with more kisses on the cheek, Dan Heng eventually succumbed to sleep once more, his head lolling to the side in a peaceful repose. As if a weight had lifted off from his shoulders, Blade only reluctantly released his hold on him, leaning back to his seat as his smile faded into a heavy sigh.

“You’re still down bad for him, after all these years.” 

Jing Yuan, who had been silently watching the whole interaction, broke the silence. Blade pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration, as if he had never known this information, “Should I thank you for your keen observation?” he retorted, sarcasm lacing his tone. 

“I’m merely pointing out your struggle.”

Blade fell silent the moment those words fell upon his ears. It was only a simple reminder, and yet it pained him to have someone call out his deepest conflict. He knew that all the times he had blamed his struggle to put his true thoughts buried in his heart into words were nothing but a pathetic excuse to avoid the worst-case scenario. 

Courage. He lacked the courage to confess anything — especially when it came to the person he loved so deeply that he couldn’t even love him openly.

How ironic of me. 

“Cowardice or not, I can’t afford to make the same mistake,” he admitted, his voice softening unexpectedly. His gaze lingered on the sleeping man, fingers drumming against the armrest absently before he continued, “It took me so long to have him back by my side. I can’t let him go again.”

Jing Yuan let out a sigh, as if his assumption had just been proved to be right. “You haven’t told him the truth, have you?” he asked, fully aware that it was merely a rhetorical question. When the model didn’t retort with his usual feisty attitude, he took it as his cue to press further. “You’re smart enough to have him move in with you without raising any suspicions. Yet, you’re still afraid that you’ll scare him off by the truth?”

Involuntarily, Blade clenched his jaw, his hands curling into fists on the armrest, fingernails biting into his palms, leaving red crescent-shaped marks. The inner turmoil in his mind was so overwhelming that he wanted to yell at the other that he was undeniably right. 

He was scared of the worst-case scenario. He was scared of Dan Heng rejecting the truth. 

“... He’s the Dan Heng I love. But, I’m not the Blade he knows.” 

His confession was barely above a whisper, yet loud enough for Jing Yuan to hear every single word of it. He was no stranger to how much Dan Heng meant to the model, though the latter seldom spoke of the love of his life. As his agent and his old friend from their university days, he had done the least he could do just to bring the two of them back together. 

“That’s the reason why I’ve arranged this fake relationship just for you. It may not be the best solution, but this is the safest path you can take,” he stated, as if the model didn’t know beforehand. A heavy silence hung over the room momentarily before Blade sighed deeply, uncurling his fists with his shoulders slumped in resignation, grumbling, “Three months is barely enough.”

Jing Yuan huffed as he uncrossed his legs and got to his feet. “On the contrary, I think three months is just enough time for you to make your next move. You don’t plan to have him live in the shadow of the truth forever, do you?” he asked, reaching out to pat the other’s shoulder with his free hand. 

Taking a quick look on his phone, he continued, “It’s about time for your next session. I have to head back now since I am covering your assistant’s job for the time being. Good luck.” 

With one last squeeze on his shoulder in silent encouragement, Jing Yuan took his leave, making his way out of the dressing room. The soft click of the door closing was particularly loud in the room to Blade, save for the low hum of the ventilation and the gentle breathing of Dan Heng, still asleep. His gaze remained fixed on him, silently taking in the sight of his slightly parted mouth and nose reddened from the cold. 

Time to work.

Blade pushed himself up from his seat, forcing his gaze away from Dan Heng as he straightened his sleeves before heading back for the next photoshoot. Just then, he stopped in his tracks, as though the growing urge within him was about to take over his mind. He glanced over his shoulder to cast a quick look at his boyfriend, who was completely oblivious to his inner conflict. 

It took Blade less than five seconds to give in. Cursing under his breath, he turned back and knelt beside Dan Heng, reaching out to lift his fringe and reveal his forehead. Leaning down, he pressed a soft kiss on his forehead, his lips trembling. He didn’t pull away immediately. Instead, he allowed himself to indulge in the warmth of his boyfriend, letting the kiss linger.

Look what you’ve done to me, idiot.

“You’re awake, idiot. Just in time.”

The first thing Dan Heng saw after his heavy nap was Blade standing right next to the couch, his crimson red eyes stilling on his. 

With a grunt, Dan Heng pushed himself upright, the coat draped over his body slipping to the floor. Despite the long nap he had taken, he felt the fatigue still seeping through his mind. “Is the session over already?” he asked, his voice still sluggish from sleep as he covered his mouth to let out a small yawn. 

A soft sigh escaped Blade’s lips. He leaned down, one hand reaching for the back of the other’s neck while the other one brushed against his forehead. “The day’s over, idiot. You slept like a log,” he mumbled with a small smile, catching a whiff of his own faint cologne lingering on Dan Heng as he gave the back of his neck a soft squeeze in a teasing manner. 

Being held at his sensitive spot, Dan Heng involuntarily leaned into the touch with a soft wince, his eyes fluttering closed as the squirming pleasure sent shivers down his spine. “The medicine’s a bit too strong, don’t you think? Why do I still feel so sleepy after all those hours of napping?” he sniffled.

“Of course you’re still tired, idiot. The medicine isn’t strong enough to help you recover from a nap. Guess you’ll have to take things easy for now,” Blade retorted, though his tone held no trace of annoyance. However, the smile soon faded into a frown, his brows knitting together when he felt the other’s burning warmth against the back of his hand. “You’re a little too warm to the touch,” he murmured.

As if his concern were written all over his face, Dan Heng dismissed his worries with a small shake of his head, reassuring, “I feel fine, aside from the drowsiness from the medicine. It’s probably just stuffy in here.”

Obviously, his verbal assurance alone wasn’t enough to convince the other. Before Dan Heng could finish his words, his eyes widened in bewilderment when he found his face tucked in the crook of Blade’s neck. The hand that had been on his forehead was moved to wrap around his shoulder while the back of his neck was still firmly held. With the alluring scent of the model’s cologne filling his nostrils despite his blocked nose, his initial surprise soon melted away as he closed his eyes in peace.

“You’re like a walking heating pad, idiot. Are you sure you’re alright?” Blade asked again, his voice muffled, his face buried in his hair. He could hear Dan Heng letting out a resigned sigh, as if the other were tired of his stubborn persistence. “I’m really fine. Have you ever considered the fact that I’ve been sleeping with a coat on for hours? Of course I would be burning up, genius,” he replied, giving a light slap to the model’s side.

Amused by his feisty attitude, Blade let out a resigned chuckle. “A grumpy, sick cat you are, idiot,” he teased. Only then did he pull away reluctantly, crimson eyes meeting pale teal ones.

“Don’t ever think of fooling me, unless you want to get a beating,” Blade warned, giving the back of the other’s neck a light squeeze before releasing his hold. Taking a step back, he bent down only to pick up his coat, not bothering whether it got dirty from the dust on the floor. 

“Why am I getting beaten for being honest?” Dan Heng muttered in protest as he got up from the couch. Blade, who had caught those words clearly, merely huffed in amusement. Instead, he reached out and ruffled the other’s hair to fuel his annoyance even more. 

“Stop it.”

“Why should I? You’re way too easy to get riled up, idiot.”

Dan Heng clicked his tongue in growing irritation, swatting Blade’s hand away from his head while rubbing his nose with his index finger. No matter how much Blade's tendency to piss him off even when he was sick irked him, deep down he had to admit that the way the model always looked after his well-being more than made up for it. 

Back at his former agency, he was no stranger to pulling all-nighters just to meet his employer’s expectations, especially during the peak season when applying for leave to rest was nothing more than a pipe dream. He could barely recall how many times he had dozed off in his office chair, even after downing triple shots of espresso. With the combination of sleep deprivation and fatigue, the slightest chill in the air was enough to confine him to bed for the next few days, with Rice taking on the role of his caretaker and reminding him to take his medication.

Even so, his cat’s way to remind him with its strong punches definitely hurt more than Blade’s harmless teasing.

Perhaps he is more gentle than Rice for once, huh? Dan Heng asked again.

As if his inner thoughts were read aloud, Blade smirked, a strong arm wrapped tightly around his shoulders, pulling him closer to his side. “Don’t tell me you still take me for a heartless man. You should know by now I care more than you can ever imagine, idiot,” he mumbled, his tone laced with feigned pitifulness even though the knowing smirk on his face gave him away instantly.

Deliberately ignoring the disapproving side-eye from Dan Heng, Blade chuckled, both their coats draping over his arm and the other’s crossbody bag hanging from his hand with ease. “There, there. You’re going to have wrinkles if you always keep up with that grumpy look, idiot. Just relax and let your oh-so charming boyfriend take care of you,” he teased, planting a kiss on the crown of his head before tugging him towards the door. 

Dan Heng’s breath hitched for a moment, eyes widening in utter surprise at the unexpected kiss. Yet, the flicker of shock that crossed his face soon dissipated at the model’s snicker, replaced by his usual scowl. Realising the other had seen right through him, he could only heave out a resigned sigh.

Such a cheap move.

“We’re almost here. Get your coat on, idiot.”

“But aren’t we heading to the basement car park? That feels unnecessary.”

The stubborn complaint from the other had Blade stopping in his tracks after stepping out of the elevator. He released his hold on Dan Heng’s shoulder before pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation with a heavy sigh. He could feel his head throbbing in dull pain from the buildup of weariness after the past few days of sessions with little rest in between. And now, having to deal with his boyfriend who seemed to have no sense of self-preservation, he swore he was close to losing his composure…

… And resorting to the same old way to get through that thick skull of his feisty boyfriend.

“Blade? What are you — Achoo!” the confusion died on the tip of Dan Heng’s tongue with the familiar tingling filled in his nose. Instinctively, he turned his head aside, his elbow raising to cover his sneeze. As if it were the final straw, Blade pulled out the other’s white coat and draped it over his shoulders without saying a word, clutching the collars together tightly. 

“I swear you’re the most stubborn idiot I’ve ever seen. Just listen to me for once, alright?” Blade retorted, his worry evident in his voice despite his sharp words, his brows drew together and the corners of his lips quirked downwards. Perhaps he himself didn’t notice, but Dan Heng certainly caught a flicker of rare desperation in the model’s eyes, along with the way the collar’s hem crumpled under his knuckles, which had turned white with intensity. 

He sure isn’t just annoying, but also a stubborn fool.

Breathing out a sigh of resignation, Dan Heng lifted his arms and slipped them into the long sleeves of his coat, eventually giving in to the model’s persistence. “Alright, I’m wearing it now. Happy?” he grumbled, lowering his gaze to adjust the cuff of his sleeves before continuing, “I swear you’re even more annoying than I can ever imagine too.”

Only with his reluctant cooperation did Blade finally let go of his collars, a victorious smirk curling on his face. “That’s more like it. Let’s keep going then , idiot,“ he said, reaching out to hold on the other’s wrist and lead him towards the exit, as though he had claimed victory in this tug-of-war. Realising he had stood no chance of winning in this banter from the start, Dan Heng shook his head with a sigh, leaving with no choice but to give in to the fate of being pampered like a toddler. 

Little did he know, the photoshoot had actually ended half an hour earlier than expected. Yet, Blade merely leaned against the wall, watching his sleeping face with no intention of waking him after returning to the dressing room. He couldn’t bring himself to disturb the rare tranquility, where the sound of Dan Heng’s faint breathing felt like a sedative to his ears, soothing the model’s churning mind. 

The kind of sedative he had gone far beyond addicted to — one that could destroy him if it were taken away once more.

Blade couldn’t help but snort in amusement as he glanced over his shoulder at the sight of Dan Heng sulking, his head turned aside and his gaze fixed on the floor. “You had better take your medicine without me reminding you again, idiot. Otherwise, I’ll have to take custody of your feline,” he teased, his free hand reaching out to grip the doorknob of the exit. 

Just then, his smirk faltered. His hand, which had turned the doorknob halfway, stilled, as if his instinct told him something was off. Tilting his head back, he peeked through the small window in the door, hoping to catch a glimpse of anything suspicious in the car park, or perhaps to prove his gut feeling wrong.

Dan Heng, noticing the sudden shift in his demeanour, stopped beside him, cocking his head to the side. “What’s wrong?” he asked, his eyebrows raised in confusion. Blade, however, didn’t bother to explain, as usual. Instead, he loosened his grip on the doorknob and reached into his coat pocket, pulling out a packet of masks between his index and middle finger. 

“Oh? So now you only remember I need to wear a mask, huh?” Dan Heng scoffed. He felt the grasp on his wrist tighten before Blade reluctantly let go with a sigh. “Of course not, idiot. Better safe than sorry,” he replied, pulling a mask from the packet before sliding it back into his pocket. 

His subtle explanation, obviously, wasn’t enough to satisfy Dan Heng’s piqued curiosity. Squinting his eyes in doubt, he crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes locking onto the model, who seemed to be completely unbothered. He knew Blade was hiding something once more, and it truly pissed him off.

Still, despite his annoyance, he didn’t flinch when Blade tucked a few strands of his hair back before slipping the elastic bands of the mask around his ears. Giving it a small tug to make sure it sat securely across the lower half of his face, Blade hummed in satisfaction before sliding his hands onto the other’s shoulders, his grip firm but not tight.

“When we get out, don’t look around. There may be trouble lurking nearby, clear?” Blade asked, though the way he instructed carried more of a command rather than a question. With the lower half of his boyfriend’s face covered, he could only read the bewilderment through his pale teal eyes.

Realising Dan Heng might still be upset with his bizarre behaviour, or rather, being evasive again, Blade let out a wry smile as he leaned in, brushing his lips against the spot just above his cheek, the warmth of the kiss seeping through the layers of the mask. 

A silent assurance, all he could offer for the time being.

“Just trust me, alright?” he asked again, his tone softer this time. Even with the mask on, he could tell the way Dan Heng was flustered, his eyes widened slightly and the tip of his ears tinged with a faint blush, clearly not expecting him to reassure him in such a way. 

At least his neck wasn’t mauled by bite marks like a dog this time.

Moments of silence fell between them until Dan Heng broke it with a sigh in resignation. “Whatever. Lead the way then,” he grumbled. Taking his reluctant compromise as acceptance, Blade couldn’t help leaning in for a quick peck on his cheek again, giving his shoulders a light squeeze before letting go.

“Make sure to keep up with me, idiot. I’m not picking you up at the lost and found,” he joked. Dan Heng rolled his eyes at the teasing remarks, pretending not to notice how the model snaked an arm around his waist in a not-so discreet manner, their hips brushing together.

More bark than bite.

The sound of their footsteps clicking against the floor echoed through the car park, now almost deserted since most of the staff and models had already left after the early dismissal, save for a few company and private cars parked sparsely. Yet Blade still couldn’t shake the uneasiness in his stomach, pulling Dan Heng impossibly closer to his side. 

“Blade? What are we exactly—”

“Shh. We have unwelcome guests.”

There, from the corner of his eye, Blade caught a glimpse of the peak of a black cap sticking out from behind a pillar not far away. The shadow on the ground was barely noticeable, but with those outfits that look nothing like the staff and a professional camera held in their hand, he knew it was no mistake.

They were definitely paparazzi — those annoying pests who never learnt to mind their own business.

“Tsk. Nosy bastards, trying to nitpick me as always.” Blade sneered, keeping his voice low, not wanting to attract their attention. Instinctively, his grip on Dan Heng’s waist tightened that undoubtedly, red imprints would be left. Only then did Dan Heng finally understand what Blade had been referring to all along, mumbling, “Nosy? So the ‘trouble’ you mentioned earlier is…” 

“Don’t look at them. They’ll go away eventually if we ignore them,” Blade mumbled as he quickened his pace with hurried steps, in the hope of shaking off those persistent bastards. Since he seldom appeared in public except for occasional important events, leaving the media no chance to find fault with him at work — which, inconveniently, only intensified their interest in his private life.

“Am I seeing things? Something’s moving in that car right there.”

Even with his voice muffled by the mask, Dan Heng’s whisper was loud enough to pull Blade out of his train of thoughts. Turning his head in the direction of the other’s glance, he spotted a black saloon car parked coincidentally right opposite his own car, which was just a few empty rows down. Despite the tinted windshield and windows, there was something odd about the way one of the rear windows was rolled halfway down, with something round glinting faintly inside the car, aimed straight at them.

Blade swore he was this close to giving in to his urge to drag them out and smash their cameras, just to teach them a lesson for invading his privacy. Normally, he wouldn’t give a crap about those infuriating bastards. 

But not when it came to Dan Heng.

“Blade—?!” 

A surprised yelp escaped Dan Heng’s lips as Blade leaned down and swooped him up without warning. Reflexively, he wrapped his arms around his neck and tilted his head up to see the model striding forward, holding him effortlessly in one arm, as if he weighed no more than a feather. 

“Stay close. Don’t let them see your face,” Blade murmured, glancing down as he tugged at his mask with his free hand, making sure they couldn't capture his face from any angle. There was no way Dan Heng could miss the way his heart skipped a beat the moment their eyes met— the proximity, the softness in Blade’s gaze, despite the situation they were in.

Oddly enough, it felt like déjà vu.

Not wanting to lose face by stuttering, he merely gave a subtle nod before leaning his head against the broad shoulder, earning himself a pleased hum from the model. “Good. We’re almost there. Just hang on for me, hm?” Blade whispered, patting his head lightly before reaching into his pocket and pulling his car key out. 

With a flash of the indicator lights and a sharp beep from his car, he wasted no time opening the passenger door, guiding Dan Heng down inside with a light push on his back. After making sure his boyfriend was fully settled, Blade swiftly shut the door with a clear thud before the paparazzi could sneak any shots of him. Moving to the driver’s side, he didn’t forget to shoot a nasty glare at those bastards before climbing into the seat.

“I swear those bastards never learn to mind their own business. Now I have to ask Jing Yuan for another favour,” Blade grumbled, not bothering to buckle his seat belt before pulling out of the parking spot. It was only when the sight of the paparazzi grew distant in the side mirror that Dan Heng finally exhaled a relieved sigh, unlooping the mask from both ears. 

“Perhaps next time, try not to be this famous, genius.”

Amused by the other’s sarcastic jab, the scowl on Blade’s face dissipated as he let out a dry chuckle, fastening his seat belt with a click. With one hand on the steering wheel while driving out of the car park, he reached over and ruffled his sleep-tousled hair, though the gesture carried no malice.

“You’re always ready to pick a fight, even when you’re still under the weather, huh?” he asked, sneaking a quick glance before focusing his gaze back on the road, “It’s going to be a long drive in this rush hour. Get some rest.”

Right on cue, Dan Heng felt his eyelids drooping heavily, whether from the effect of the medicine still lingering within him or the mental fatigue of trying to avoid the media minutes ago. Shifting slightly in his seat to make himself more comfortable for the ride, he crossed his arms over his chest and closed his eyes. 

Stealing another glance at him, Blade noticed the way his mouth parted as he muttered something too soft to be heard before falling completely silent. He couldn’t help but let out a quiet sigh through his nose, patting his head for the last time before retracting his hand back to the steering wheel. 

“... You never realise it, do you?”

“What the…”

Dan Heng murmured, his brows furrowed and his eyes still closed with an unexpected, uncomfortable weight pressing against his chest. With every breath he drew, the suffocating heaviness only grew heavier to the point it felt almost unbearable, almost unreal. Until he felt something furry nuzzling against his face. A soft grunt escaped his lips as he slowly fluttered his eyes open, blinking away the lingering weariness within him.

“Meowrr…”

Sesame, the culprit, sat firmly on his chest with its tail curling around its paws, staring at him as if into the void of space. 

“Are you trying to murder me?” Dan Heng sighed in disbelief, giving it a gentle pat on its back before he really met his end at the paws of a cat. Thankfully, unlike his own cat, Rice who often defied his orders with violence, Sesame got back on all fours before leaping off gracefully with a soft meow.

Rays of orange sunlight from the setting sun streamed in through the balcony, casting an ambient glow across the living room. Only when he pushed himself up did he realise he had been lying on the couch, a thin blanket draped over him before sliding down onto his lap. Despite his stuffy nose, he still managed to catch a whiff of the aroma coming from the open kitchen, accompanied by the steady rhythm of knife chopping on the board. 

“You’re awake? Come on over, food’s ready,” Blade called without turning his back, slicing more ginger as though he had eyes in the back of his head. After a few vigorous shakes of pepper, a bowl of steaming hot minced meat congee, sprinkled with ginger and green onions, was ready to be served to his boyfriend. 

Setting the knife and cutting board in the sink, he placed the remaining sliced ginger into a sauce dish and set it beside the congee while Dan Heng took a seat at the kitchen island. Rice, the loyal kitchen “supervisor” and nosy as ever, leaned in for a quick sniff at the strange food that looked far less appealing than its favourite food. However, it clearly underestimated the power of the pepper and leapt down from the island at once with a loud sneeze. 

“Curiosity kills the cat, right?” Dan Heng chuckled at the sight of Rice shaking its head, trying to get rid of the tingling irritation. It was until he glanced at the congee, completely covered in a layer of pepper, that he understood his cat’s hilarious behaviour.

“Are you teaming up with Sesame to murder me?”

“Pepper is good for your sick taste buds, idiot.”

Dan Heng raised an eyebrow in doubt, obviously unconvinced at the model’s seemingly illogical explanation. “But don’t you think this much pepper is a bit too much?” he questioned. Blade shook his head in resignation, rolling his sleeves back down as he walked over, teasing, “You’re being a drama queen. And here I thought you preferred your food heavy in flavour.”

Without waiting for a response, Blade pressed a light kiss to the crown of his head before continuing, "Remember to take a hot bath after dinner. I’ll do the dishes later, hm?” With a gentle pat on his head, the model walked away, scooping Rice up in his arms as he made his way back to his own bedroom, leaving Dan Heng flustered.

Before he could complain about his cat being stolen away again, a familiar heavy weight landed right in his lap, drawing a pained grunt from him at the impact. Glancing down, he found Sesame, who was completely oblivious to its “heavy love” it had just caused, looking up at him with its puppy eyes. He sighed wryly, one hand reaching down to scratch its chin while the other stirred the pepper into the congee with a ceramic spoon.

“At least I still have you, right?”

“Blade, do you have any soothing cream? I think I broke —”

Dan Heng’s voice trailed off the moment his eyes fell on Blade, reclining on the couch with his eyes closed and one arm draped across his forehead. The steady rise and fall of his chest was proof enough that he had drifted into the land of dreams. Not only had he never seen the model falling asleep at this time before, but the fact that he was able to sleep through Rice sitting on top of him, kneading biscuits into his chest, took him aback.

That’s new. He thought.

Tossing the blood-stained tissue into the bin, Dan Heng made his way to the couch, his footsteps light before dropping to his knees next to the sleeping man. He couldn’t take his eyes off the usually arrogant model, the one who never failed to embarrass him with his shameless teasing, now caught in such a rare moment of tranquillity. 

No teasing. No cheap moves. Just a quiet man in a peaceful sleep.

Rice, unbothered by the uninvited guest, continued its ministrations with a contented purr. The lack of Blade's reaction, however, raised Dan Heng’s suspicion. Unless his chest was made of steel, it was nearly impossible to ignore the affectionate yet painful act it did with such vigour. “How can someone still sleep so soundly like this?” he mumbled, as if speaking from experience.

Curiosity got the better of him. Before he realised what he was doing, he lifted his hand, his index finger extended, and poked the model’s cheek, the fingertip barely brushing against his skin before retracting it. Thankfully, Blade showed no signs of waking, save for the slight scrunch of his brows and a deep sigh through his nose.

Dan Heng couldn’t help but breathe out a sigh of relief, glad he had managed to get away with breaking the second rule for the first time ever — no initiating any physical contact without his consent. As much as he was still puzzled by the reason for this rule, or rather — boundary, he complied with it nonetheless. This was supposed to be unfair to him, given how Blade was always the one crossing his boundaries, acting as if Dan Heng truly belonged to him. 

But since he hadn’t cared about this relationship in the first place, why should he be bothered by it?

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of the model’s hand sprawled out beside him, a plaster wrapped neatly around his thumb. “Is he always this clumsy?” he murmured, having no recollection of its presence before dinner, which implied inexplicably Blade must have handled it himself when he wasn’t around. 

Maybe the campaigns running during Fashion Week really took a toll on him.

Involuntarily, Dan Heng reached out, resting his hand lightly over Blade’s. Feeling the warmth of the calloused skin beneath his fingertips, he couldn’t resist tracing the edge of the plaster with his thumb, his own slender fingers loosely clasping the other’s hand. Though he had reminded himself countless times that he wasn’t supposed to invest any feelings in this so-called relationship, he still couldn’t ignore the butterflies in his stomach at the way their hands fit snugly together.

As though they were meant to be together. 

“Trying to get my attention like that feline of yours, idiot?”

Blade was a step ahead of him, returning the favour with a firm squeeze before the other could pull away. Panicked, Dan Heng turned his head back to him, already awake with that familiar cocky smirk flickered across his face for who knew how long. He tried to pull his hand free, but his attempt proved futile as the model’s grasp only tightened, to the point it bordered on pain.

Amused by his reaction after being caught red-handed, Blade couldn’t help but tease, “Your reaction is certainly delightful to see, you sneaky idiot.” The initial surprise on Dan Heng’s face soon wore off, replaced by growing confusion, his eyes widening and lips parting slightly. “Don’t tell me you were awake the whole time?!” he blurted out, though the widening grin on the other’s face had already spoken the truth aloud. 

“Look, I’m just a bit… worried about you, alright? I’ve never seen you dozing off at this time, and your hand is also…” Dan Heng hastily explained, trying to make himself clear before the model could misread his intentions. Feeling the other’s thumb still tracing the outline of the plaster, Blade let out a wry sigh, finally loosening his grip on his hand, yet still firm enough to keep him in place. “I’m not wrong to call you an idiot. Do you really think I could get a wink with your feline tormenting my chest?” he retorted. 

The culprit, Rice, seemed to pick up on the mention of its behaviour, instantly sparing Blade from its “massage” and switching to cleaning its face with its paw, as if trying to ease the embarrassment. Fortunately, with its nails recently trimmed, Blade was left unscathed, save for his sweater now wrinkled and covered in cat fur. “Rather than worrying about me over a small cut, you should pay more attention to yourself, idiot,” he added, reaching out to gently pinch his nose with his free hand. 

His smirk faltered as soon as his gaze caught on the broken skin around Dan Heng’s nostrils, a thin layer of the skin peeling away with a tinge of blood seeping out. 

“What the hell is this, idiot? How did you hurt your nose?” Blade exclaimed, his brows furrowed, worry etched into his tone. Shifting his hand down to hold his chin, he clicked his tongue and tilted the other’s head up slightly to get a better look of the wound. “Tsk. Get on the couch. I’ll find something for your nose.”

Releasing his hold on Dan Heng’s hand, Blade swiftly got to his feet, not forgetting to scoop Rice off his chest and place it back on the couch before heading back to his bedroom. Dan Heng, given no time to respond, merely nodded as he watched the model disappear into the room. With a soft grunt, he pushed himself upright and leant back against the couch, his head lolling on the headrest. 

“How is he demanding and thoughtful at the same time?” he mumbled, a weary sigh escaping his nose. 

Just then, he couldn’t hold back a pained yelp with the similar feeling of being stepped on by a heavy weight. Tilting his head down, he found the same culprit that had been tormenting Blade earlier — Rice, nuzzling its head against his chest, its front paws pressing firmly on his thigh, as if it were standing on its own dedicated stage. 

“You and Sesame are definitely spoiled rotten by Blade! The vet is probably going to question me for overfeeding you at this rate…” despite the protest, he eventually gave in to the urge to scratch its head like any other cat owner who couldn’t stay mad at their own pet for more than five minutes. 

“Meowgrrrl…”

With another nuzzle against his chest, only then did Dan Heng realise something was wrong with Rice. Terribly wrong. As much as it might have sounded hilariously painful, it would never have passed up the chance to abuse its owner with bites or punches whenever the topic of its meals was brought up. 

His mind was instantly filled with countless possibilities. Was it sick? Had it accidentally consumed something it shouldn’t have? Did it injure itself while playing with Sesame? Or was it secretly plotting a murder plan for neutering it before it could find the love of its life— 

“Meowrrl...”

Rice bumped its head against him once more, but this time its forehead pressed against the jewellery hidden beneath his shirt. With the sudden realisation of his cat’s abnormal behaviour dawning on him, he shook his head in resignation before slipping the ring he wore around his neck off while pushing Rice from his thigh with his free hand.

“Is this what you’re curious about, huh?” Dan Heng asked, lifting the string with the ring tied to it in front of his cat to satisfy its sudden interest. Curious as ever, Rice leaned closer, its nose twitching subtly, as if trying to catch the faint metallic scent warmed by its owner’s skin. 

Before he knew it, a tangerine had been placed on top of Rice’s head without any warning. With a short meow, it closed its eyes, the fruit acting like a seal as it lay flat on the couch, paws tucked beneath its body in a loaf position.

“Five-minute penalty for being mischievous.”

“Blade? What are you—”

“One hour for you too, idiot.”

Dan Heng could feel the corner of his eye twitched in irritation. “What kind of nonsense are you spewing right now?” he snapped. Blade merely huffed in amusement as he settled next to him on the couch, wrapping an arm around Dan Heng’s waist before pulling him into his lap. 

“I’ve never seen an idiot who can make himself bleed from a runny nose. Stop moving, or else I’m having you stuck with me for the whole night,” he ordered, his arm tightening around his squirming boyfriend. Dan Heng shuddered, a chill running down his spine when he felt that same pair of lips grazing against the back of his neck, the kiss light yet firm. Watching his defiant boyfriend finally comply with him for once, Blade couldn’t resist teasing, his tone smug.

“Good. Tilt your head up a bit.”

Reluctantly, Dan Heng rested his head against his shoulder, tilting his head up as he wished. From this angle, all he could see was the faint glow of the ceiling lamp above him, completely unaware of Blade’s next move. He breathed out a sigh of relief when he felt the arm around his waist loosened. Yet, he instinctively drew in a sharp breath with the sudden cold sensation irritating the open wound, his hand clutching the ring as if the dull pain digging into his skin could ground him.

A soft murmur brushed against his ear. “Shh. Just hold still for me, hm?” Blade whispered in comfort, one hand applying the soothing cream with a cotton bud while the other lifting his chin between his fingers — his gentle touch in stark contrast to his usual snarky attitude. Dan Heng felt goosebumps rise on his skin at every single hushed word carried so clearly in the proximity. The tension visibly slipped from his body, his grip on the jewellery loosening.

The cream soon worked its wonders, the initial prickling pain gradually subsiding. Satisfied with his own dressing, Blade hummed in contentment, “This should be sufficient for now.” After one last glance at the freshly tended wound, he set the soothing cream and cotton bud aside before wrapping his arm around his boyfriend’s waist once more, nestling his face in the crook of his neck from behind.

“Say, I’ve never seen you wear that ring, idiot. Why’s that?”

“That ring? You mean this?”

Dan Heng spread his hand, revealing the small item in his palm, the tiny diamonds glinting under the faint light. Following his gaze to the ring, Blade gave a subtle nod, affirming his question as he voiced his curiosity again. “Mhm. You mentioned before it wasn’t important anyway, so why still bother carrying it around like a memento?"

Dan Heng’s eyes widened just a fraction at the unexpected question, leaving him speechless. A minute or two passed, the room quiet save for the swish of Rice’s tail on the couch, the tangerine still perched on its head. For the first time ever, the patience within Blade hadn’t worn thin yet as he continued to hold him, his arms encircling his waist, occasionally sneaking in light pinches to draw a reaction.

After minutes of deafening silence that felt like hours, Dan Heng cleared his throat before giving his answer. “Truth be told, I could have thrown it away since it means nothing to me. But it feels like a waste of that person’s goodwill, even though I can’t remember who gave it to me.” 

Upon hearing those words spill from Dan Heng, Blade had never felt his heart clench so painfully that he could almost taste the sourness on the tip of his tongue. Unconsciously, his arms tightened around the other’s waist, forcing himself to keep his true emotion intact. Of course he wanted to tell the truth without Jing Yuan having to bring it up. In fact, no one was more desperate than him to spill everything to him — to the very man whom he had never once stopped loving, not even for a second, despite all the things he had been through.

And yet, with all the inner turmoil churning inside him, he merely let out a deep sigh. “Is that so…” he muttered, the sheer disappointment nearly seeping through his voice…

… Before he lifted his head and bit Dan Heng’s cheek, venting his unspoken frustration in a childish way.

“Ouch! Are you a dog?!” Dan Heng yelped, giving his forearm a hard slap in protest. He had been mentally prepared for more shameless kisses, even planning what he would wear to cover his neck in case it got mauled again. 

That bite on his cheek was definitely intentional.

Noticing Blade still nibbling at his poor cheek, he reached up to rest a hand on his head and reprimanded, “You’re going to catch a cold from me, genius. And stop chewing my face!” 

A petulant huff escaped through the model’s nose, his behaviour no different from that of a sulky child. Dan Heng could have pushed him off right away if he truly wanted to stop him. Still, with the way his fingers gently massaged his scalp as though soothing a grumpy cat, he knew he was still tolerating his annoyance. Like always.

“Like I care.”

… I would rather catch a cold from you than lose you again.

Chapter Text

“Watch where you’re going, idiot. I’m not helping you up if you fall flat on your ass.”

“Mhm. Whatever you say,” Dan Heng, his eyes still glued to the phone in his hand, merely hummed half-heartedly. As if he would actually fall, not with the way Blade tightened his grip on their intertwined hands, fingers laced firmly with his.

Making their way to the underground car park with the airport staff, they found a black luxury saloon car, arranged by Jing Yuan weeks earlier, waiting for their arrival. The driver greeted them with a bow before opening the rear passenger door. Releasing his hold on Dan Heng’s hand, Blade guided him into the backseat with a gentle push on his back as he followed suit, gathering up the hem of his long coat and sliding into the car.

With the private shades drawn over the tinted windows, completely shielding them from the eyes of passerby, only then did Blade hook a finger under the edge of his mask and pull it down with a sigh. “What’re you even checking, idiot? You have been glued to your phone since clearing immigration,” he complained, wrapping his arm around the other’s shoulder and tugging him closer.

“Just want to double-check the upcoming schedule. It’s a bit strange to see your schedule not fully booked yet,” Dan Heng mumbled, his features sharpened by the pale blue light from the screen, his finger hovering as he went through the emails again, not wanting to miss a single detail. 

Throughout his recovery over the past two weeks, he had been forced to “take leave” by the order of his employer, who, inconveniently, was his “partner” as well. He wasn’t allowed to handle any work-related emails or keep up with his schedule, let alone wander around alone at the studio during sessions. Fortunately, after some back-and-forth, his insistence paid off when Blade only reluctantly allowed him to stay behind handling the emails alone, using the excuse of bonding with the two felines.

Though the price of this “freedom” was somewhat… embarrassing.

“There’s definitely nothing wrong with my schedule, idiot. It just happens that most of the brands I’ve signed with focus more on other cities rather than in Tokyo. Of course, I only have to run fewer shows than usual,” Blade replied with an eye roll, his tone snarky yet holding no grudge at all. 

Before Dan Heng could react, his phone vanished from his sight as Blade seized it in a swift move, turning off the screen with a firm press of the side button before tucking it away. “That’s enough work for today. Focus on me instead,” he ordered, tilting the other’s head towards him with a firm hold on his chin, leaving no room for negotiation. 

“Hey… You can’t just take someone’s phone like this —”

“I can, and I will. Plus, you aren’t just someone — you’re mine. So, eyes on me.”

With his phone confiscated — the only source of light, the backseat was almost pitch-black, save for the faint glow of the streetlights peeking beneath the private shades, illuminating not only the night sky but also the small space shared between them. Yet, there was no doubt Dan Heng could see the way the model’s eyes glistened in the dark, as if those unspoken words beneath those crimson eyes were on the verge of spilling out.

“... You’ve become way clingier ever since that day,” Dan Heng mumbled, his pale teal eyes fixated on him. Blade, unfazed at being called out so bluntly, merely let out a wry chuckle as he leaned down, whispering against the other’s ear, “Oh? Do enlighten me — on which exact day did you notice such changes then?”

His smirk widened the moment he heard Dan Heng’s breath hitch when he moved the hand gripping his chin to the back of his neck while his free hand rested on his chest, right where he could feel the steady heartbeat gradually quickening. Teasingly, his hand trailed downward, his touch sending sparks beneath his fingertips while tracing the subtle ridges of his lean abs. The small gasp that Dan Heng could barely stifle was melodious to his ears as he deliberately gave a firm press against his navel before his hand finally resting on his thigh, drawing idle circles with his thumb, feeling the warmth of his skin through the fabric of his trousers. 

Obviously, he knew what day his boyfriend was referring to. He was the very reason, after all. 

“Don’t you dare play dumb!” Dan Heng hissed, his voice low in embarrassment. His hand shot up, grabbing Blade’s restless hand, the one squeezing his thigh, in a weak attempt to stop his alluring torment, or rather, the familiar urge that was intensifying within him. 

He really shouldn’t have agreed to that lunatic’s exchange for work, especially since he left him hanging without any follow-up — nothing but an empty promise to make up for it.

A sharp jolt of surprise ran through him when Blade refused to stop his teasing as he wished. Instead, his hand moved higher, pressing more firmly on the soft flesh of his inner thigh with his fingertips barely grazing against the seam of the taut fabric, where the itch had grown almost unbearable at this point. 

“Don’t —! This is inappropriate!”

“Inappropriate? I never hear you saying that back then when I—”

“Shut up!”

Blade huffed in amusement. Even without being able to see Dan Heng’s face, there was no doubt that he must be flustered, a deep shade of blush painted across his cheeks just like that day. As much as the model hadn’t had enough of “making fun” with him, he knew he should call it quits. Otherwise it would only turn into another troublesome effort to placate his feisty boyfriend, making him no different from trying to handle a puffed-up Sesame before shower time.

“Alright. Alright. No more teasing, hm?” Blade eventually yielded, his tone feigned with apology, his hand sliding off the other’s thigh while his hold at the back of his neck remained still. 

Dan Heng merely turned his head to the side, arms crossed over his chest with a grumpy “hmph” slipping past his lips. He was, for sure, relieved that Blade had finally backed down. Even when he was certain that the driver wouldn’t see a single thing between them with the private shades drawn, he would have definitely buried his head in a hole and perished if they were to get caught for being so daring at such a place. Yet, the lingering dissatisfaction for having the itch within him left unattended once more was, undoubtedly, another bucket of cold water poured over him.

It’s all this fool’s fault. Why did I ever accept his proposal in the first place?!

Unable to resist that sulky face of his boyfriend, Blade leaned down, leaving a soft kiss on his cheek with his free hand gently pinching the other side of it. “Do you have any idea how adorable you are, even when you’re mad, idiot?” Blade teased, before placing another kiss over the same spot, as if this were the only apologetic way he knew to ask for forgiveness. “I won’t tease you any further… for today only.”

Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Dan Heng grabbed the model’s hand from his cheek and pulled it away, acting as if he neither cared nor liked it. “Should I thank you for being so generous, genius?” he grumbled. Despite the angry facade he tried to maintain, the way he didn’t even try to push off Blade when he was pulled forward to straddle the model’s legs, the hand on the back of his neck sliding down to steady him at the waist, his body practically leaning into his embrace told a different story, like an aloof cat that always kept its distance from humans yet secretly craved their affection. 

“... Speaking of which, why did you free up two days in your schedule?” 

Glancing down, Blade found Dan Heng resting his head on his shoulder, threading the loose strands of his long hair between his fingers absentmindedly as he voiced his curiosity. “You finally noticed it, huh? That’s some improvement you’ve made, idiot,” he joked, earning a slight tug on his hair from his boyfriend in protest. “Stop pulling my hair. Your feline has already done enough damage chewing on it. Like father, like son.”

“Like I care.”

Since when has he been so petty?

“You… Whatever. Don’t make me go bald after this ride, you lucky idiot,” Blade sighed in resignation, knowing full well he couldn’t really bring himself to reprimand him or put a stop to his childish antics, much like how Dan Heng, despite his annoyance, still allowed him to indulge with reluctant cooperation. The arrogant model was never the type of person to give in to anything not to his liking. He hadn’t worked hard to earn his reputation and status over the years just to be ordered around like a disposable money-maker. 

But that was Dan Heng. He could always let things slide without a moment of hesitation.

“I promised I would make it up to you, didn’t I? It doesn’t hurt to have a bit of fun between work. I’ve arranged with Jing Yuan not to disclose anything about our trip this time. No nosy bastards will be able to disrupt us in our two-day getaway,” Blade explained, the inner joy in his tone almost overflowing with the thought of finally getting to spend private time with his boyfriend in a foreign city for the first time ever. 

Although he knew his agent, who had the tendency to be nosy about everything, wouldn't simply let it go with that knowing smile for the next few years when he requested to clear his schedule, it was definitely worth it.

“A getaway, you said…” Dan Heng murmured, his fingers on the model’s hair stilled, as if he hadn’t really expected such an answer. Before he could think any further, he was pulled out of his thoughts as Blade reached up, cupping his face with his free hand and making him meet his gaze. 

“You heard me. Just you and me. No one else.”

Blade whispered, his voice laced with nothing but sincerity, his thumb brushing the corner of his eye, the touch light yet grounding. A few seconds of comfortable silence hung around the confined space between them, until the car stopped at the traffic light, the dazzling glow of the skyscrapers reflecting against the tinted window. Only then did Dan Heng let out a reluctant sigh, pushing the lingering doubt aside as he finally responded, “I guess I should really appreciate you for being generous, huh? I wonder how you managed to convince Jing Yuan to agree to this arrangement.”

 As though something important had just struck his mind, Blade’s eyes lit up for a brief moment before he regained his composure with a sly smile — the kind of smile which definitely was up to no good. 

“That reminds me of something. You’ll be sharing the same bed with me on this trip. Hopefully you aren’t a snorer or a bed tosser.”

A second or two passed in deafening silence. For someone who, to the best of his recollection, had never once shared his bed with anyone else, Dan Heng couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise, utterly bewildered, “Huh?! But didn’t I book a twin suite?”

Jing Yuan surely knows what he is doing.

Blade couldn’t have been more happy to see that priceless reaction on his boyfriend’s face at the “tiny” change of arrangement. He chuckled, making up a harmless little lie as easy as breathing, “It just so happened, unfortunately, that all the twin suites were fully booked. But don't you worry…” He lowered his head, his lips almost brushing against the other’s earlobe as he whispered, low enough for each word to sink into his mind clearly.

“... I’ll try to keep my hands off you. But I can’t promise how long I’ll be able to hold back.”

“... You had better sleep with both eyes open, you perverted lunatic.”

“Stay close to me, idiot. Don’t go chasing those random strangers.”

“For the last time, you don’t have to keep reminding me like a toddler,” Dan Heng rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed to be nagged as if he still had the intelligence of a three-year-old child. 

Amused by his usual defiance, Blade let out a soft snort, giving his hand a firm squeeze as he tugged him closer to his side, their shoulders brushing. “Can’t I just be worried about how attractive my boyfriend is? Those nosy bastards haven’t taken their eyes off you once, and it’s pissing me off.”

As expected from a runway show organised by Balenciaga, renowned models from across the world were all gathered around the backstage, along with talented fashion designers eager to reveal their creations to the public. The snapping of camera shutters and scurrying click of steps on the floor resounded through the crowded space, barely covering the low buzz of conversation — from designers finalising the looks with make-up artists, to models trying on their designated outfits with the help of their assistants.

Making their way through the crowd, Blade didn’t miss the way whether it was the models he had worked with at different shows over the years or staff busy with their own responsibilities, they kept stealing glances between Dan Heng, who he never actually proclaimed his relationship with, and their intertwined hands. He was known for being a loner ever since he made his debut. They might find it reasonable that he had finally hired a personal assistant to handle his hectic schedule, yet it was definitely bizarre for them to see him holding hands with his assistant in such a place, like a couple in their honeymoon phase. 

As if he gave a fuck about their opinions.

“You’re being a drama queen again, aren’t you? And why the hell are you referring to your colleagues as ‘nosy bastards’?” Dan Heng asked, lowering his voice at the latter part, not wanting to draw any more unwanted attention. Glancing over his shoulder to meet those pale teal eyes, Blade merely smirked, “Dramatic or not, I’m definitely not letting them lay their filthy hands on my boyfriend."

“That’s not a friendly way to talk about your peers, Bladie.”

Blade immediately halted in his tracks, snapping his head to the source of the voice. His ears perked up and eyes widened the moment he heard that all-too-familiar nickname, which no one had the nerve to call him out so bluntly, except for that one person. Noticing the sudden change of the model’s behaviour, Dan Heng stepped up next to him, following his gaze in the same direction Blade was looking.

There, a wine-red haired lady stood by the door to the dressing room, a white coat cape loosely draping over her shoulders, a white collared shirt embellished with golden pins and shiny trim, and a purple pencil skirt with a spider cobweb embroidered. A coy smile tugged at the corner of her lips with her arms crossed over her chest, her relaxed demeanour and elegant charisma standing out among the rest of the designers, who were still bustling about with a measuring tape and accessories in both hands, making sure the outfits worn on those models were impeccable.

Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Blade narrowed his eyes into a glare and strode over to the lady in question, grumbling, “Still nosy as ever, Kafka.”

Kafka covered her mouth to stifle a soft chuckle, unfazed by Blade’s feisty manner as though she had long grown accustomed to them. “I’m afraid it’ll be impossible, Bladie. But I have to admit, it’s refreshing to see you badmouthing your fellow models in public for the first time.” 

Amid their small talk, only then did Dan Heng recall that she was none other than the head designer for the spring collection of the brand — the same person Blade had a conference call with the day after putting it off just to enjoy a home cooked dinner with his boyfriend. From what he had learnt from Jing Yuan, the designer had taken a liking to Blade ever since his debut, as if she had seen a hidden potential beneath that stoic exterior. It was all thanks to her persistence in commissioning his first photoshoot despite her higher-ups protesting against paying a newbie with a hefty seven-figure sum, their careers skyrocketed from the success it brought, shaping the model’s path to the top.

“Come to think of it, Bladie, you haven’t introduced this gentleman of yours to me yet,” 

Instantly, Dan Heng was snapped back to reality at the mention of him, only to find Kafka eyeing him up and down, that lazy smile still curved on her lips. Blade, stealing a quick look at him, quietly drew in a breath, trying to ease the sudden uneasiness as he searched for the right words, “Gentleman? Hah, no way he’s a gentleman with that stubborn behaviour of his. He is my… my…”

“Assistant. I’m his assistant… ya.”

Still unsure of his choice of words, Dan Heng decided to step in, taking the initiative to answer with what seemed to be the most reasonable answer. Truth be told, he had never seen the prideful model, whose confidence seemed to overflow all the time, to be surprisingly acting so hesitant at explaining his role, like he had forgotten the very reason why Dan Heng would be here with him. Or rather, the model had mixed up which role he should be represented as either his personal assistant or his “partner”, which he found unlikely. 

“Assistant? Is that so?” Kafka repeated his answer, clearly not buying his explanation at all. A flicker of amusement flashed in her eyes as her gaze shifted between their intertwined hands and the way both of them simultaneously averted their gaze from her judging stare, as if they were caught doing something sinful behind everyone’s back.

Interesting… Might as well give Bladie a small push…

“Dan Heng, that’s the name, is it?” Kafka asked rhetorically, her palm facing up with her index finger pointed towards him. Before either of them could respond, with a graceful twirl, she turned the doorknob and pushed it wide open, revealing an empty dressing room, saved for her subordinates doing minor touch-ups on the outfits hanging on the dressing rack. “You’ll be opening and closing the show later, Bladie. My assistants will attend to you throughout this one. Rest assured, they’ve acquired the skill to bring out the best in you.”

“Hmph. What happened to the ‘I’ll make sure you’re the perfect muse, in the hands of the best’?” Blade retorted as he sank into the empty chair in front of the dressing table, where makeup tools and styling accessories were neatly arranged across the surface. His grip on Dan Heng’s hand never faltered for once, leaving the other with no choice but to stand beside him, resigned, yet still choosing to tolerate the model’s absurd clinginess.

Like a responsible assistant he should be.

“I have a few more designs yet to be retouched. Coincidentally, I’ve found the perfect muse to bring out the best in them,” Kafka explained, caressing the smooth fabric of the outfit she had tailored specifically for the model. Being enigmatic as always, her vague explanation only heightened the curiosity in Blade. He raised one of his eyebrows, asking once more, “I wonder who the ‘lucky’ person is. Don’t tell me you’ve kidnapped another newbie to try on your so-called artistic designs?”

Apparently, the small serving of the coffee from the hotel wasn’t enough to fully wake Dan Heng’s mind as he had been spacing out for some time, staring blankly at the floor. It wasn’t until he felt someone’s hands brushing against the back of his neck that his body instinctively jerked for a moment when something firm stretched across the back of his shoulders.

“What the—”

“That’s what I called the perfect muse. Follow me,”

Without any further elaboration, Kafka swiftly tied a loose knot around Dan Heng’s wrist with the measuring tape — a clear hint that there was no room to back out for him anymore. Before she could drag her next “victim” away, Blade rose from his seat instantly and released his hold on Dan Heng’s hand, only to tug him back with his arm slipping around his shoulder, his chest pressing against the other’s back. 

“What are you thinking, Kafka? He’s my assistant, he should stay with me to support me backstage, not as your fitting subject,” he protested, his tone low yet guarded. Deep down, after all those years being her favourite model, he knew the furthest thing she would go with Dan Heng was probably forcing him to wear her designs that were way too revealing to be presented to the public just to serve as her next "inspiration". Yet, the thought of being separated from him without knowing where exactly he was overcame the rational side of the model’s mind, making him give in easily to the fear.

The fear of losing Dan Heng again. 

Despite the genuine irritation and anger lacing in his voice, Kafka merely chuckled, deciding to go with the flow instead. “Rest assured, Bladie. By the time the show ends, he’ll be back by your side unharmed. You know I always keep my promise, don’t you?” she reassured, as if she had never held any resentment towards him to begin with. 

A heavy silence hung in the room with Kafka holding the other end of the measuring tape, that lazy smile still painted across her lips, while Blade tightened his hold on Dan Heng, who was still bewildered by the sudden turn of events within such a short time. Glancing back and forth between them, he was about to break the silence when Blade finally breathed out a defeated sigh, reluctantly releasing him from his embrace.

“Fine. But that’s only because I trust you, Kafka,” Blade grumbled before slumping back into his seat, brushing his fringe back with his free hand in an attempt to mask the faint annoyance behind the simple gesture. 

Satisfied to see the model back down, the designer gave a gentle tug on the makeshift rope with a smile. “You have my word, Bladie. I’ll personally take good care of your… boyfriend,” she replied with a teasing wink before walking away towards the door. Dan Heng, still confused, was forced to follow along, leaving Blade frustrated — until he realised what she had just said.

“... Tsk. Did Jing Yuan tell her that?”

“Blade, do you care to share your thoughts on working with Kafka over the past four years?”

“How does it feel to be invited to do both the opening and closing of the show? What do you think they see in you?”

“This is the first time you haven’t announced your schedule for Fashion Week. Care to explain why and what’s next for you?” 

Bombarded by their ridiculous questions, Blade didn’t bother answering any of them, leaving the backstage without even sparing a glance to them. Before the persistent journalists could catch up to him, Kafka’s assistants stepped in immediately, stopping them from disturbing him as he made his way to the private dressing room with hurried steps. 

It had been nearly four hours since he last saw Dan Heng. Much to Blade’s dismay, there was little to no time to check up on him after trying on his outfit and getting his look styled, before he was dragged off for the final rehearsal — especially since he was appointed to lead the show by the head designer herself. Throughout the official show, no one could tell that beneath the model’s apathetic expression, the growing impatience coursing through him heightened with every tortuous step he walked down the runway. 

That idiot had better not wander around by himself.

Cutting through the backstage crowded with other models cleaning up their look and their team returning the outfits, it was hardly a surprise to find Kafka chatting with her high-end clients in the corner, who seemed to be particularly pleased with her new collection. As if his grumpy, intimidating presence screamed “I’m very pissed, so fuck off”, she turned her head just a fraction in his direction, meeting his gaze momentarily. 

He didn’t miss the slight quirk at the corner of her lips, her eyes flickering towards the dressing room on his side — the only one with the door firmly shut. Realising what she was implying, Blade gave a subtle nod before heading towards the door, his steps more determined and his expression less grumpy than before. 

Kafka couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle at the sight of the model practically swinging the door wide open with all his might, almost breaking it down. “What’s wrong, Kafka? Did something happen over there?” the client asked, shifting their gaze towards the same direction, where the door had already closed after the model went in. She shook her head with a faint smile before returning her attention back to them. 

“Nothing. Just a clingy lovebird seeking its partner after a long day.”

“ — Blade?! Do you even know how to knock before coming in?”

“Like I care. Did she do anything to…”

Glancing back after closing the door, Blade’s voice trailed off the moment his gaze landed on his boyfriend — the very person he had been dying to see again after hours of being separated from him. Dan Heng, startled by his unannounced return, rose from his seat and set down the iced coffee Kafka had bought for him specifically, reprimanding, “Cat got your tongue, genius?”

Out of all sorts of revealing outfits Kafka could have chosen for Dan Heng, Blade had never expected him to be wearing something so simple and yet so… alluring. A plain white collared shirt left completely unbuttoned with the black tight-fitting turtleneck wrapping his lean physique as the base layer. The bright red soles of the patent leather boots added a touch of provocation to the simple look of the sleek black dress pants. But what mattered most was the coat he had on — it wasn’t his to begin with, It was Blade’s own coat with the sleeves tailored to fit his smaller frame compared to the model. 

“What’s with that reaction? Do I really look that bad —?!”

Dan Heng’s eyes widened in surprise when Blade closed the distance in a few long strides, pulling him into his embrace with his face buried in the crook of his neck. The tangled hum of voices and movements around backstage faded behind the closed door, leaving him nothing but the sound of the model’s steady breathing as well as his rapid heartbeat pounding beneath his chest. 

“Long day? You haven’t reacted like this after any session,” Dan Heng murmured, his cheek itching from the stubborn strands of Blade’s hair that stuck out. In this awkward position, he couldn’t move an inch with Blade’s arms wrapped around his waist, his strength overwhelming. A shaky sigh escaped his lips when he felt the model exhale deeply, his warm breath brushing against the sensitive skin of his neck, followed by the model tightening his arms around him, pulling him impossibly closer in a crushing embrace.

With another sharp inhale, Blade finally answered, his voice muffled, “... Are you trying to make this difficult, idiot? Do you have any idea how tempting you look right now?” He was always weak to the sight of Dan Heng wearing his clothes, his usual outfits looked almost oversized on his boyfriend with their size difference. Not to mention the way he could pick up the faint scent of his own cologne lingering on him— the kind of intimacy he would never, ever share with anyone else.

He surely is the death of me. 

“Kafka proposed this change of outfit. She said my own outfit could barely bring out the hidden potential in me, so she gave me this one as a gift. As for the coat…” 

Noticing the sudden halt in his explanation, Blade lifted his head, his arms encircling loosely Dan Heng’s waist, only to find him averting his gaze, a faint blush creeping across his cheeks. “... It was the perfect wrapping paper for such a gift to the model. That's what she said,” he mumbled, silently hoping that the other wouldn’t catch the true implications of her words.

Too bad Dan Heng had looked away in embarrassment, otherwise he might have had the chance to escape when Blade’s brief shock was replaced by the knowing smirk tugging on his lips. 

“Is that so? Pass on my thanks to her at the afterparty later, idiot. I’ll make good use of my present,” he teased. Dan Heng let out a surprised yelp as he was lifted by the waist before being thrown onto the empty seat, the chair screeching beneath them from the impact. Without hesitation, Blade climbed onto the chair, one knee beside his thigh, easily pinning him down with his weight on both his legs. Reaching down to grasp his boyfriend’s hand, fingers intertwining, he pulled down the golden zipper at the front of his turtleneck with his free hand, revealing the bare skin of his neck and collarbone. 

“Blade? What the hell are you trying —!?” Dan Heng drew in a sharp breath, his grip on the model’s hand tightening instinctively when he felt something wet and slippery trace the outline of his collarbone. Glancing down, he found Blade leaning up to press a kiss right above the pulse point of his neck, leaving a soft red mark before letting out an amused huff.

“Consider it an exchange for my coat, idiot.”

“I’m getting that fool a muzzle! Why does he bite so fucking hard!” 

Standing in a quiet corner of the rooftop bar, where the brand’s designers were sharing casual talk with the models and some coming from the same agency taking pictures for memories, along with the soft clinking of glasses and the faint jazz echoing through the space, Dan Heng fidgeted with the high collar of his turtleneck for the umpteenth time, trying to hide that suspicious kiss mark just underneath his ear. 

Despite the chilly late-autumn wind pricking his skin like countless thin needles, he felt nothing except the lingering heat from the culprit’s lips, still hidden beneath his shirt. If anyone were to take a quick glance at his neck, they would definitely wonder whether he was mauled by a beast. Deep red hickeys were scattered across his poor neck, accompanied by bite marks along the junction of it. He could feel the particular bite mark on his collarbone throbbing — not deep enough to draw blood, but definitely painful enough to be remembered. 

“Tsk. Did I bring any high-collared shirts with me? I’m definitely going to steal his credit card and —”

Ding! Ding! A moving object has been detected!

His rambling was abruptly cut off by the sudden buzz of his phone. Pulling it out from the pocket of his coat with his free hand, he tapped on the notification, which brought up the pet camera app, the live surveillance feed of the dimly lit living room showing on his screen. 

“Grrrrr…”

Sprawled across the blanket laid on the leather couch, Sesame stretched its legs out with a big yawn, feeling satisfied after having a decent night nap. Yet, its fleeting moment of peace lasted barely a second before Rice leapt onto the couch from the coffee table, flopping down beside it with a firm thud. 

Unsurprisingly, instead of fighting back with loud meows or strong punches, Sesame stuck its tongue out to clean Rice’s head, despite its personal space being invaded by the unwelcome feline. With the way Rice purred contentedly as their tails tangled, anyone would be in awe of the two loving cats snuggling affectionately.

If only both of the male cats weren’t sterilised. 

“Missing the two felines already, idiot?”

Dan Heng couldn’t help but flinch when he felt a gentle knock on the top of his head, before that all-too-familiar presence looming over him, their shadows overlapping. 

“Your feline is quite sassy towards Sesame, isn’t it? Just like its owner,” Blade teased, the corner of his lip quirking into a mocking smile as he watched his boyfriend tear his gaze from his phone — only to glare up at him, lips pressed into a thin line, as if the model’s playful remark had just added fuel to his anger. 

With Dan Heng just one step away from jumping up to bite off that annoying smirk on that fool’s face, Blade leaned down, bracing one arm against the wall before pressing a light kiss on his feisty boyfriend’s cheek. “Just like Sesame, I’m more than delighted to spoil you rotten, even though sometimes you do act like a rebellious idiot,” he whispered in his ear, the smirk melting into a softer smile as he pulled back slightly to meet the other’s widened eyes.

“Are… are you drunk? What’s with all this sudden nonsense…” Dan Heng sputtered, clearly not expecting the model to pull up a move like that, especially here at the bar, where the other models or high end clients might stumble upon the sight of the top model cornering his assistant in such an intimidating position. 

Blade let out an amused chuckle, his free hand reaching up to cup the other’s face, his thumb tracing the outline of the red stroke beneath his lower lashes. “Said by an idiot who got drunk on his second cup of soju. A flute of champagne is hardly anything to me,” he couldn’t resist teasing him once more, which was quickly followed by another kiss on his boyfriend's cheek, soothing his anger before it flared up back.

“I’m done here. Let’s go, idiot.”

Before Dan Heng had a chance to protest, Blade hauled him up with ease, one arm supporting his back and the other under his knees. “What the hell are you doing?! People might see us, you ignorant fool!” he hissed, involuntarily wrapping his arms around the model’s neck — just in case he changed his mind and dropped him on the floor, which was highly unlikely to happen.

“Like I said, idiot. We’re leaving this place so I can have you to myself in the hotel room. Kafka will definitely understand,” Blade murmured, quietly slipping through the dark corner of the bar. While most of the models were deeply immersed in the ambient mood and some clients were still exchanging opinions regarding the outfits with the designers, no one noticed the top model sneaking into the elevator, his arms holding his assistant, who was once again flustered, his face buried at the crook of Blade’s neck.

“Why are you always so insistent on carrying me around like a toddler? Do I look like I’m incapable of doing so?” Dan Heng asked, lifting his head. As the elevator slowly descended once the doors closed, Blade didn’t say any word, save for that mischievous grin playing on his lips, the kind that practically spelled out his next move. Leaning in, he sank his teeth lightly into his boyfriend’s ear, where a jade-tasseled ear cuff rested on the lower curve, earning a sharp gasp from him. 

“When will you learn to stop biting me like a dog?! I’m warning you — don’t you dare break that earring! Are you even listening to me, you insolent, barbaric fool?!”

“... Like I care.”

“I won’t forget this miracle. I promise.”

“Yes, you will, idiot. You might be sure you won’t forget for the next few days, weeks or even months. But what about five years later? Ten? Fifty?”

“At least I won’t forget you… Because you’re the miracle of my life. ”

“...Mm…”

For the very first time, it had been a while since the clock hand had pointed to eight, and yet Dan Heng was still lying between the soft sheets, fast asleep.

He rarely dreamt, especially after a long day that drained both his physical and mental energy. Yet, this particular dream had been haunting him in his sleep for weeks. Unlike any other dreams, all he could experience were muffled voices echoing in the distance, as though his ears were stuffed with damp cotton. The voices never lasted long enough for him to make out a word before it dissipated into nothing — like faint memories never meant to last.

A soft grunt escaped his lips as he rolled to the other side, where it had gone cold from the absence of a certain person’s warmth. The sheets were tangled between his legs, his shirt hiked up, exposing his bare torso to the warmed air. Just before his resurfacing consciousness slipped back into slumber, he barely registered the faint rustle of the sheets and the bed dipping beneath the weight, before a familiar voice rose above him, the warmth of those lips lingering on his temple. 

“The sun is going to burn your ass, you sleepyhead idiot. Time to wake up.”

Blade murmured, supporting himself with both arms braced on either side of Dan Heng’s head. Already well dressed and ready to head out anytime, he came back to the bedroom, hoping to start their small getaway as planned, only to find Dan Heng, who almost never stays asleep past seven sharp, lying on his side, eyes closed in deep sleep. 

Usually, Dan Heng would have freaked out if he ever found himself sleeping in for more than five minutes. Yet, with a breathy sigh, he involuntarily pulled up the sheets to cover his head, using the little strength that remained within him in an attempt to block out the disturbance to his sleep. 

“... Five… more…”

Blade huffed in amusement, tugging the sheets off his head easily with one hand. “It’s almost half past eight, sleepyhead. You fell asleep before midnight yesterday, and you’re still feeling tired?” he asked, cocking his head to the side as he watched his boyfriend’s brows furrow, curling up deeper at the loss of protection. 

Leaning down, the mattress beneath him sank further with him adjusting his position, pressing another kiss on his cheek before continuing to coax him out of bed, “We can always come back for a power nap, but only after we visit a special place. Alright, hm?”

“...”

Receiving no response from his sleepy boyfriend, Blade couldn’t help but let out a soft snort, unsure whether he should be relieved that his stubborn boyfriend had finally given himself the chance to sleep in, or annoyed at him that he had to push the original schedule back because of his stubborn refusal to get up, even though he was the one who asked him to make up with this mini-trip.

Obviously, he could never bring himself to be mad at Dan Heng for taking his well-deserved rest. 

“You’re getting more and more daring these days. Maybe I’ve pampered you so much that I nearly forgot you’re supposed to be working as my assistant, idiot…” Blade sighed in resignation. Pulling back slightly, he reached up to brush the loose strands of the other’s sleep-tousled hair away, his gaze involuntarily trailing down to the artwork he had left on his neck last night. 

The sight of Dan Heng’s innocent face as he slept so soundly was a complete contradiction to what Blade had faced when they returned from the party, which the same person in his arms hadn’t once stopped fussing over the marks scattered across his neck. By the time Blade stepped out of the bathroom, Dan Heng was already lying at the far edge of the bed, wrapping himself tightly in a cocoon of blanket, refusing any further physical intimacy from the other. It had taken nearly two hours for the model to coax him back to his arms with peppered kisses and apologies that didn't sound sincere in the slightest.

Like he could ever keep his hands off him when his boyfriend looked so delectable. 

Despite his initial disagreement about letting Dan Heng sleep in, Blade eventually found himself quietly indulging his boyfriend’s sleepy request, his hand never ceasing to caress the other’s hair for the past few minutes. His own long blue hair, pinned up with a hairpin decorated with white magnolias made by a certain person, spilled over the edge of the bed.

Gazing down, his eyes widened a little as he swore he felt a fragment of their shared moments overlap with the current sight, only to vanish as quickly as it appeared. After seconds of realisation hitting him, he sighed, his head hanging low before lifting it again, murmuring, “You still believe what you see and never think about it, huh?”

If only a cup of coffee could wake you up from both reality and facade. 

“... What time is it…”

Noticing the soft whisper beneath him, Blade leaned down, the faint smile tugging at his lips barely noticeable as he teased, “It’s almost nine, idiot. Still feeling tired after all those hours of sleep?” 

Lying amidst the rumpled sheets, Dan Heng breathed out a deep sigh as he reached up to rub his eyes, the exhaustion still weighing heavily in every part of him. A weak hum of protest escaped his lips when he felt something soft brush against his cheek, leaving nothing but a feather-light touch that drove the remains of his drowsy consciousness away.

“I have the attendant bring you an iced matcha latte to start your day, alright?”

After a few seconds of silent consideration, Dan Heng finally gave in, his eyelashes fluttering before he stirred awake. Watching those pale teal eyes come back to life, Blade chuckled and sat back, pulling his groggy boyfriend gently into his lap. 

“I’ve never seen an employer who has to wake his own assistant up and serve him coffee once he’s awake. Should I deduct your pay and add it to mine since I’m doing your job, idiot?” he joked, his face tucked in the crook of the other’s neck, peppering kisses across his skin.

“...You dare try that and I’ll kick your ass.”

He’s feisty again. Guess he’s back to himself. 

“A relationship shrine? Really?”

“I know what you’re trying to say, idiot. A fake relationship is still a relationship, so no more questions. Get in before it gets too crowded.”

The golden ginkgo leaves carpeting the ground rustled softly, a few brushing against their coats before being carried away by the autumn breeze. Dan Heng sighed, pinching the edge of his mask to make sure it fit snugly, his other hand held in Blade’s hand, as usual. Following the traditional ritual, after a quick cleanse of their hands at the water basin, they made their way up to the entrance, the leaves coated the staircases beneath them crisping every step. 

Unlike other tourist spots swarmed with visitors, the secluded shrine was relatively tranquil, save for a few couples writing their wishes on the wooden plaques and office workers stopping by to make a wish. Neither of them noticed that the very model, who often appeared on the advertisements of the luxurious brands, was holding hands with his so-called assistant at a place known for its prayer for true love.

“You don’t seem like the type who’s fond of these traditional rituals,” Dan Heng mumbled. He could hear Blade let out a disbelieving chuckle through the mask before feeling a soft knock on his head from the other’s knuckles. “Like I said, idiot. Don’t just blindly believe everything you see,” the model retorted, his tone wry. 

Where did Jing Yuan learn about this sort of ritual, anyway? But that idiot doesn’t need to know about this. Blade thought to himself. 

Tossing their offerings into the offertory box outside the hall, they bowed and clapped their hands twice, before bringing their palms together in prayer. While Dan Heng was immersed in his own prayers with his eyes closed, he failed to notice the way Blade kept sneaking glances at him, completely distracted from his own. 

Truth be told, Blade was never the type to believe in fate or destiny, especially when it was something he could achieve with his own hands. Still, he didn’t turn down straight away when Jing Yuan proposed the idea of visiting the shrine well-known for seeking love with Dan Heng. Perhaps he was more desperate than he realised, though he knew that wasn’t a valid reason. 

After all, the one the model had been looking for was now standing right beside him.

“... Blade, do you mind me asking you something?” 

Coming back to his senses after being called out, Blade looked down to find Dan Heng stuffing his hands into his coat pockets, his gaze drifting towards the rows of wooden racks, where countless plaques, each written with sincere hopes, fluttered in the breeze. “We’ve been together for a while now. No need to beat around the bush, idiot,” he replied, curiosity piqued by his boyfriend’s sudden question. 

“You lied about the rumours of having affairs with other models. You lied about having a PR team to handle such things because there was nothing to begin with. And you lied about asking me to pretend to be in a relationship with you. Am I right?”

He should have known that whatever question Dan Heng threw at him was never a good one.

A fleeting minute passed. The uncomfortable silence hung in the air, broken by the soft rustle of golden leaves sweeping across the ground and the melodic clatter of wooden plaques swaying against the rack in the wind. 

Being caught completely off guard, Blade drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. It had been almost two months since he had dropped the topic with the lame excuse of having someone to handle it when he was questioned by Dan Heng for the first time at the dressing room. He knew his boyfriend was smart, but he hadn't expected him to be this smart — to straight up expose the lie he had been trying to keep up for months.

Fooling him once had almost cost me his trust. This time…

Without saying a word, Blade grasped Dan Heng’s wrist and tugged him away, swiftly pulling him into a quiet corner of the shrine to hide themselves from the prying eyes of the public. Dan Heng was unexpectedly quiet as he stood before the model, his cold gaze fixed on those crimson eyes, as if already prepared to hear whatever excuse the other could make to add another layer to his poorly performed one-man show.

“You had better give me a valid reason before I—”

“When did you realise this was all nothing but a show, Dan Heng?”

Beneath those pale teal eyes, Blade could see a faint flicker of uncertainty in his boyfriend, clearly not expecting the tables to be turned like this. Instead of teasing him for being easily flustered like always, Blade remained silent, his grip on his boyfriend’s wrist never faltering for a second as he waited patiently for his response. 

It took only a few seconds of consideration before Dan Heng let out a quiet sigh, deciding that it wouldn’t hurt to indulge Blade’s question, and it might be unfair to keep his reasoning to himself as well.

“You mentioned this business trip was never disclosed to anyone. If you had really wanted to clear your rumours, you would have made our so-called relationship public. That’s the exact reason why I agreed to this, isn’t it? But I have never once seen you post anything about me as your ‘partner’, not even that day when the paparazzi showed up at the carpark.”

“For someone who’s supposedly rumoured to have affairs, you went all the way to cover me up and hide from those cameras, as though you’re trying to conceal my identity from them. Unless you never want me to be seen by the media in the first place, then why bother going through all such troubles just to keep this facade up?”

Despite the stoic expression on Blade’s face, the tightened grip on the other’s wrist, his hand trembling faintly, betrayed the churning turmoil beneath his calm exterior. “Did I hit a sore spot?” Dan Heng pressed on, cocking his head to the side in defiance. The model’s silence only confirmed his suspicions as he spat, anger lacing in his voice.

“You really are terrible at lying, coward.”

Those words were the final straw. Letting out a shaky sigh, Blade loosened his hold, his fingers slipping from his boyfriend’s wrist —- only to pull him into his embrace, one arm circling his shoulders and the other on his waist. Dan Heng instinctively staggered back, his eyes widening in utter bewilderment. This wasn’t what he had expected. Even so, there was no chance for him to escape as Blade tightened his hold, their bodies practically moulding against each other.

 Lowering his head into the crook of his boyfriend’s neck, Blade breathed out a soft sigh of surrender, contemplating his words before he finally spoke, “... You’re right. I’m a coward. I couldn’t think of anything else but that lame excuse just to be with you. I was afraid. Afraid that you would reject me.” The confession was barely audible, yet loud enough for the other to catch every word he spilled. “Hate me all you want. Curse me all you like. But, don’t leave me yet…”

… because I still need you.

With his arms restrained in the model’s vice-like embrace, Dan Heng could only cast a sidelong glance, his unreadable gaze swirling in silence before he mumbled,  “You fool, your actions really contradict the main purpose of whatever fake dating this is.” Blade merely nodded his head in acknowledgement, burying his face further as if lacking the courage to meet his boyfriend’s eyes. 

The hope within Blade gradually dimmed with every passing second of deafening silence, replaced by the overwhelming sense of regret piling up. He should have known this day would come eventually. Maybe things wouldn’t escalate to such an extent if he had been honest in the start. Even so, he couldn’t find himself to bring everything out to the very person he had been yearning for the past ten years — the same person who had left him, leaving behind nothing but the lingering bitterness of farewell.

He hated himself for it, but it was always easier said than done. 

His racing thoughts, however, were interrupted the moment he heard a resigned sigh from Dan Heng before he spoke again, this time in a less hostile manner. 

“The pay you and Jing Yuan promised back when I signed the contract. Does it still stand?”

It took several seconds for Blade to fully process his words through the daze of surprise before he lifted his head slightly, giving a subtle nod of affirmation. “Of course it still stands. We won’t go back on our word even if you wish to… end this relationship earlier than the designated time.”

It was, undoubtedly, impossible to miss the slight crack in the model’s pained voice, evident in the brief pause in his words. Torn between the many decisions he could have made, Dan Heng drew in a deep breath before exhaling slowly, his conflicted mind now clearer as he reached his decision. “There’s almost a month left before the contract ends. Since I still haven’t found a new job yet, and Rice seems to enjoy its new companion… I don’t mind seeing it through until the time comes.”

As if hope was reignited once more, Blade lifted his head, utterly astonished by his boyfriend’s agreement to go along with him despite everything. Before he could say a word, Dan Heng continued, his gaze determined, locking with those crimson one, “But once everything’s over, I’ll make sure there’s absolutely nothing to do with you anymore. We’ll live our own lives — separately."

Despite the cold, heartless words, it couldn't stop Blade from showing his gratitude as he leaned down again, tightening his arms around the other in a bruising grip, the embrace intense with the slight tremble of his body. “Just give me more time, Dan Heng. I’ll give you my all to make up for everything…”

… And tell you everything you deserve to know.

Chapter Text

One week before Tokyo.

“I swear you’re being way too ridiculous!”

“Ridiculous? Hah, says the idiot who thinks replying to emails while chugging double shots of espresso at two in the morning is a good idea. That’s it — you’re not going anywhere or working until you’re fully recovered. End of discussion.”

Dan Heng huffed, cocking his head to the side with his hands resting on his hips, annoyed. “That’s because you’ve left those emails unread for who knows how long, you ignorant fool. I have already sacrificed by taking unnecessary leave, and I’m not going to simply lie in bed doing absolutely nothing while you deliberately ignore the work that’s supposed to be done,” he snapped.

This idiot… Does he have a death wish?!

Blade felt a vein pop on his forehead. He let out a deep sigh of resignation, rubbing the bridge of his nose with his elbow propped on the armrest of the couch, his brows knitted together in exasperation. For the past week, he had never slacked off once in his intensive care for Dan Heng — whether it was setting reminders for him to take his medications or lightening most of his workload. Everything he did was to keep his sick boyfriend from overexerting, so he could focus on recuperating. 

And yet, the moment he turned on the pantry lights to fetch himself a glass of water, the last thing he expected was to find Dan Heng gulping down a shot of espresso, his phone lit up with the reply window open. 

As for now, with his stubborn boyfriend standing across the coffee table, fuming over his confiscated phone and temporary loss of freedom, Blade clenched his jaw, keeping his flaring anger at bay as he tried to talk some sense into the other’s thick skull. “It’s absolutely unnecessary to reply to all of the emails right away, much less at this ungodly hour,” he retorted, lifting his head to meet his boyfriend’s gaze, which practically radiated defiance.

“Instead of worrying about those emails, don’t you realise that you’re the biggest concern here, idiot? Putting your caffeine addiction aside, what makes you think it’s a good idea to chug espresso at a time like this? Especially when you're still not fully recovered yet! Have you ever considered the reason I insisted you rest was to make sure you would be well enough to travel to Tokyo next week? Do you think I can be at ease handling the shows knowing you’re still feeling unwell?” 

Dan Heng’s eyes widened for a brief moment, clearly not expecting the model’s sudden outburst. He had long been used to neglecting his health since he wasn’t the kind to fall sick easily except on rare occasions, like this time when it was just a mild illness that could be cured with some medication. Still, the idea of staying away from work was pure nonsense. Regaining his composure, he talked back as if he weren’t at fault in the first place. 

“Perhaps. I’ve figured as much. But that doesn’t mean I’m fine with wasting my time doing nothing under the excuse of resting. That’s extremely tedious for me.”

“Idiot, you—!”

“Meow…”

Before Blade could rise from his seat, his anger nearly flaring into a full-blown outburst, Rice unexpectedly leapt onto his lap with an impactful jump, forcing him to sit back down with a painful grunt. An amused snort escaped Dan Heng at the sight of the model being assaulted by his own cat. “Finally, you know what’s the right thing you should do, Rice,” he teased, utterly satisfied with its help in getting his “revenge”.

Just then, he felt a soft yet rough texture graze his finger, followed by the sensation of something furry wrapping around his wrist. Glancing down, he found Sesame giving small licks on his finger with its tongue, rubbing its head against his leg and loosely coiling its tail around his hand, as if trying to distract him from the unpleasantness of the small banter. 

“Meooww…”

With Rice pressing its paws against Blade’s chest and bumping its head under his chin, while Sesame nuzzling its head against Dan Heng's leg, both of their owners fell silent, their back-and-forth coming to a halt. Only then did Blade realise their true intentions behind those absurd behaviours, and he couldn’t help but let out a disbelieving snort. “Seriously? We aren’t even fighting like how you two always do at all, and now you’re trying to play the peacemaker, hm?” 

Dan Heng, who had been trying to stifle his laughter by biting the insides of his cheeks, ultimately failed and chuckled, freeing his hand from Sesame’s hold to give a few gentle scratches on the head. “Maybe I should get on your nerves more often. Otherwise, it’ll be unfair that I’m the only one who gets to enjoy the ‘pleasure’ of both of them jumping on me, treating me like a trampoline or a speed bump,” he mumbled, while the person he was referring to was busy caressing Rice’s back, seemingly paying no mind to his sarcastic remark.

The room soon fell into a comfortable silence as they entertained the cats with scratches and pats, the two felines holding their heads high in pride for having stopped their owners from bickering. After a minute or two, Blade finally gave in, his earlier anger already melting away under the feline’s touch, “I guess it doesn’t hurt to let you stay back and handle whatever emails you like, idiot.”

“... Huh?”

It took a few seconds for Dan Heng to fully register his words. Glancing up, he looked at the model, tilting his head in bewilderment at the sudden change of his heart. As though sensing his boyfriend’s confusion, Blade merely huffed in amusement, a smug smile tugging at the corner of his lips before he added, “That said, I have two conditions. If you can’t comply with them, then there’s no more room for discussion.”

Of course this scheming fool has something on his mind.

“... Whatever. Go on then.”

Blade smirked, pleased by the unimpressive look on Dan Heng’s face. “You’ll be paying all the costs for our two felines for the next two weeks. And I’m definitely not helping you if you get bitten by them for not buying enough food for the day,” he said, which barely fazed the other with such a simple condition. 

Despite having had Sesame for only about two months, Dan Heng had mostly got a hold of its preferences — like its small habit of carrying anything in its mouth, as long as it could fit. Sometimes it would be found holding a plushie or an unshredded piece of boiled chicken breast, making it no different from a predator showing off its hunt before bringing it to share with the other feline. Not to mention, it seemed to prefer him over its own owner.

As for Rice, who he had raised ever since it was a kitten, he obviously knew it inside out, as if the cat were his own son. Except now, that “son” seemed to be more affectionate and nicer towards the model than him.

“Oh, please rest assured. Maybe by the end of the day, they’ll like me more than you, genius. What’s the second one?” Dan Heng sneered, his sarcasm overflowing. 

This time, Blade didn’t bother answering right away, as though he were in no hurry at all. Deliberately ignoring the confused stare from his boyfriend, he pushed himself up from the couch, scooping Rice into one arm as he walked over to the coffee table, picking Sesame up with his free arm effortlessly. 

With the two felines, which almost resembled the size of a small gas tank, nestled in his arms, he strode to the room designated as their playground. Nudging the door open with his foot, he set them down on the cat shelves mounted on the wall, earning a short, confused meow from both. 

“Meoww?”

“I’ll let you two out once we’re done with our business. Be good, alright?”

“Meow..”

Dan Heng, standing still with his arms crossed as he watched the interaction between Blade and the two cats, cocked an eyebrow in puzzlement. “Why are you bringing them to the cat room out of nowhere? You still haven’t told me the second part of your condition,” he reminded, thinking the model might have forgotten about it. 

Yet, that sly smile quirking up at the corner of Blade’s lips said otherwise.

“There’s no need to rush, idiot. The night is still long, after all,” Blade replied. Once the door closed with a soft click, he turned his head, locking his gaze on those pale teal eyes. Dan Heng involuntarily averted his gaze from the sudden eye contact, as if he had been caught guilty. For some reason, his gut told him to run, especially with that all-too familiar grin from the model, one that practically gave away his next move.

He was so deep in thought that he didn’t notice the other approaching, his steps hurried yet quiet. The moment he was lifted by the collar of his shirt, he knew it was too late to back out.

“Blade?! Woah—!”

A surprised yelp slipped from his lips as he was tossed onto the couch with sheer strength, his back hitting the cushions with a loud thud. “You could’ve asked me nicely! I swear you’re…” the protest died at the tip of his tongue with Blade climbing onto the couch too, wedging himself between Dan Heng’s parted legs and trapping him with his hands planted on either side of his head. 

Dan Heng felt his throat go dry with the sudden proximity, forcing himself to swallow the uneasiness creeping up inside him. Still, he couldn’t bring himself to tear his gaze away from the man looming over him, meeting that intense gaze head-on. He swore he saw something he couldn’t quite place flickering beneath those crimson eyes. Perhaps, it was something between sincere and … predatory.

“Is this ‘pushing me onto the couch without any explanation’ part of your condition as well?” he mumbled. Despite his calm demeanour, the slight quiver in his voice betrayed his inner anxiety. Instead of pointing out his feeble effort to put on an act, Blade simply let out a soft sigh, shaking his head before continuing, “Almost. For the next ten minutes, you’ll let me do anything I want — without any complaint, not even a single word. That's my second condition.”

“Anything? What do you mean by that?”

Blade couldn’t help but chuckle at the innocence in his boyfriend’s voice, unsure whether he was merely feigning obliviousness or truly as clueless as he seemed. Straightening up, he placed his hand on Dan Heng’s chest, feeling the rapid beating of his heart beneath his palm. “You aren’t this naive, are you, idiot? When I say anything…” 

As he mumbled, his hand trailed down, relishing the way the muscles beneath his fingertips tensed under the feather-light touch, followed by the sharp intake of breath from the other. Instinctively, Dan Heng’s hand flew up, gripping Blade’s fabric-covered forearm, fingernails digging into the thin material of the sleeves. By now, he had a vague idea of what the model was implying — not with how he was stuck with his legs loosely wrapped around Blade’s waist, leaving him no room to escape the intensity between them.

“What are you—! Don’t —!” 

A surprised gasp escaped his lips, his ears flushing a bright red of blush when Blade pressed down firmly on a spot just above his navel. In all his life, he had never expected to react that way to a touch on his lower abdomen. A sudden burst of painful pleasure tingled beneath his skin, his trembling hand on the model’s forearm tightened at the strange feeling. Noticing the model rubbing slow circles with no intention of stopping, Dan Heng struggled to push himself upright with one arm, trying to kick the culprit away from the weird sensation. 

His weak attempt, as usual, proved futile as Blade caught his calf with a knowing smirk, pulling him upright so that his right leg rested over the model’s shoulder, forcing Dan Heng back down onto the couch. Freeing his hand from his boyfriend’s hold, the model pushed down the hem of his shorts, revealing his bare, fleshy thigh before him. 

“... Obviously, it means I’ll do whatever I want to you, idiot,”

Pinned in such an intimidating position, a shaky breath slipped from Dan Heng’s lips, his eyes widening for a second before he squeezed them shut the moment Blade latched his teeth onto his thigh. Lifting his arm to hide his flushed face, he held his breath, bracing himself for the familiar sting that would undoubtedly linger on his skin for the next few days.

The pain never came.

Feeling puzzled, he slowly cracked his eyes open, peeking through the small gap between his crossed arms — only to find Blade drawing away, a huff of laughter escaping through his nose. “But only with your consent, idiot. Don’t always take me for a barbaric pervert. I did tell you I can be a gentleman, didn’t I?” he mumbled, shaking his head in disbelief to find his boyfriend actually thought he would act against his will. 

As if to prove his point, he tilted his head, pressing a light kiss on his inner thigh, his gaze locking on those pale teal eyes as he added, “Say no, and I’ll stop right away. But you’ll have to rest for an entire week. Make the call.”

There was no mirror or anything that could reflect his appearance. But Dan Heng knew he definitely looked no different from a ripe tomato, a deep shade of blush painted across his face and his ears literally burning in embarrassment. He had known it might be inevitable to share any physical intimacy with the model in this contractual relationship. Yet, he never once anticipated it would go so far beyond his expectations, crossing the line he believed should be only shared between real lovers. 

He could have easily walked away with any excuse he deemed fit, and Blade would have let him go without a second thought. For an arrogant model who always kept every word he promised earlier, that shouldn't have been a problem at all. And yet, Dan Heng could almost hear a quiet voice echoing in his mind — that irrational part of him that seemed to yearn for the model’s touch, as if he had once been cared for like this in the fragments of lost memories.

He wasn’t obligated to fulfill the model’s desires — he was never his real partner to begin with, right?

“... Fine. Don’t make me regret this for the next ten minutes.”

As though he could really walk away calmly after all that teasing.

A flicker of genuine surprise crossed Blade’s face as he turned his head back, his smirk faltering. He clearly hadn’t expected the other, who always came across to be indifferent to this relationship, to give him permission to indulge such an indecent request. With a final glance at the clock, he reached up and held both Dan Heng’s wrists away from his face, revealing a red-faced boyfriend, completely oblivious to the “damage” he had just done to the model. 

“Don’t worry. I guarantee you’ll never forget what’s about to happen in the next ten minutes, idiot,” 

Such a bold declaration should come by with equally bold moves, huh? Dan Heng told himself. 

As if on cue, Blade leaned down, brushing his lips against the pulse point right beneath his ear before pressing a firm kiss on it. Only when a deep red-violet mark was left on the spot did he finally pull away — only to continue leaving trails of kiss down his boyfriend’s kiss. With both his wrists pinned on either side of his head, Dan Heng could do nothing but take what the model gave, his gaze unfocused and quiet sighs spilling from his parted lips as the tingling sensation of being marked by wet kisses gradually washed away his initial defiance.

“Ah… stop it. Hurts…” he called out softly, feeling Blade nibbling on the tender skin along his collarbone, adding another fresh hickey to his bite-littered neck. Despite his protest, he couldn’t help but wonder why the very same pair of lips that had mauled him like a beast back in the dressing room, were now capable of leaving such gentle kisses without inflicting any pain, as if the model were holding back for some particular reason. Even so, the absence of bite marks didn’t mean that he actually missed being marked with painful pleasure.

Because it really fucking hurt.

“It hurts? Guess I’ll have to make up for that, right?” Blade murmured, his tone laced with feigned apology. Reluctantly, he released his hold and pulled back just enough to look at his boyfriend, whose gaze was half-hazy from the faint traces of pleasure on his neck. Before Dan Heng could even feel relieved his wrists had been finally released in his unyielding grip, a confused hum escaped him with his shirt abruptly hiked up, revealing his bare torso to the model’s hungry gaze. 

Though his own lean physique was no match for the model’s well-defined one, it was still, undeniably, a delectable sight to feast on — especially with those pale pink nipples standing out against the cool air, the cherry on top of the cake. 

Instinctively, Blade grabbed hold of his boyfriend's slim yet firm waist, forcing his distracted mind away from the thought of how perfectly it fit in his hands, his thumbs nearly touching. Leaning down, he couldn't resist planting another light kiss just above Dan Heng’s quickening heart, leaving a prominent red mark on his smooth chest. 

“Let’s see if you’re still weak for this, hm?” he whispered, giving out what was both his first and last gentle warning, followed by a playful squeeze at his waist.

“What’re you talking about— Ah?!”

Dan Heng arched his back with a startled yelp, eyes widening as he felt Blade tug the bud between his teeth and roll it under his tongue, freeing one hand from his waist to rub the other with his thumb. Bringing up his hand to his mouth, he bit down hard, trying to stifle the embarrassing sounds slipping past his lips while his chest was being stimulated in a way he had never experienced before. His mind grew muddled from the pleasure, and the rosy buds only hardened further under the model’s touch.

This was just the beginning, and he was going to be driven insane. 

“Mhn?!” 

With a particularly hard suck on his bud and a gentle pinch on the other, Dan Heng couldn’t help but cry out, the bite mark left on his hand deepening, the intensity shot straight to his groin. His free hand clutched onto the armrest so tight that his fingertips grew white from the sharp surge of sensation. With his right leg still resting over the model’s shoulder, the growing tightness in his pants felt even more surreal, completely impossible to ignore. 

Despite the lack of vocal reaction from his boyfriend beneath him, his “hard” response pressing against his abdomen was enough to betray his inner feelings. Feeling petulant, Blade gave another soft suck before biting down hard, his hand tugging the other bud upward in revenge, earning a high-pitched whine from his boyfriend. After one last lick, he finally pulled away, leaning back up with a satisfied smirk, admiring his own masterpiece — the puffy bud, reddened from his relentless attack with a bite mark around it, while the other one remained clean, almost untouched.

“Ar-Are you satisfied now? It’s almost time, isn’t it?” 

Lowering his hand, Dan Heng asked in a whisper barely audible. As if he had just heard something ridiculous, Blade lowered his head with a wry chuckle, before lifting it again to meet those pleasure-stricken eyes of the other. “Satisfied? I’m barely done with my appetiser, idiot. Why bother to rush, hm?” he murmured, lifting the other’s leg off his shoulder to set it beside him, only to grab the base of the bulge with a gentle squeeze.

“When you haven’t even taken your own share of the meal as well?”

A choked moan escaped from Dan Heng’s parted lips, bursts of immense pleasure exploding behind his eyes. He could feel the front of his boxer getting damper, the wet fabric clinging to the sensitive skin in an uncomfortable way. A soft huff of laughter slipped into his ears. Before he could stop whatever was about to happen, Blade was one step ahead of him once again, reaching out on the waistband of his pants and sliding them off together with his boxers.

With his lower body bare, his erect length sprang out before Blade’s intense gaze, a bead of pre-cum sliding down the shaft. Utterly embarrassed by having his private part exposed to someone else, Dan Heng averted his gaze, his cheeks burning behind his arms. “Stop… stop staring. I know this’s weird…" he mumbled, trying to close his legs — but to no avail, with the model positioned between them. His futile struggle, however, only heightened the model’s impatience as he grabbed his wrist to tug it away from his flushed face.

Blade’s free hand hovered near his boyfriend’s length, before flicking it lightly with his index finger, earning a sharp gasp of pleasure from Dan Heng. “Try to hide yourself or hold back any sound one more time, and I’ll keep doing this until you come for the rest of the time,” he warned with another flick, which was meant to be threatening, and yet the way his length glistened with more pre-cum splurting out from the slit told otherwise.

“Ah—! Stop! I won’t— Nh?!”

Dan Heng’s pleading broke off with Blade wrapping his hand around his length, the calloused tip of his thumb smudging the pre-cum over the tip before stroking it upwards. His hands flew up, gripping onto the collar of the model’s black sweater in a vice-like hold, as if to ground himself against the immense pleasure. “You’re pretty responsive. Be a good boyfriend for me, hm?” the model murmured, releasing his hold on Dan Heng’s length to wipe the excessive fluid on his lean abs.

Finally, after a few excruciating minutes of ignoring his own needs, Blade reached down, pulling his sweatpants and boxers down just enough to reveal his own equally hard length. Dan Heng couldn’t contain a quiet gasp with the model’s length thicker in girth brushing against his own slender one, as more pre-cum leaked out from the angry red tip — almost turning purplish. Tilting his head back, he felt the model loosen his firm grip on his wrist, accompanied by a warm breath ghosting over the crook of it.

“Just let me take care of you, hm?”

Blade whispered, brushing his lips against the sensitive spot on his neck, where deep red hickeys had already been left minutes ago. Bending the other’s legs until his knees touched his shoulders, he wrapped both their lengths together in one hand as he stroked in tandem, the friction softened by their mixed fluids between them. 

The spacious living room was relatively quiet, save for soft pants that kept slipping past Dan Heng’s parted lips. Being inexperienced in such matters, he rarely pleasured himself, let alone being taken care of by someone he couldn’t even call his lover. Yet, with every stroke on his length, he could feel something within him growing tighter, as if a dam were about to break anytime sooner. His legs wrapped loosely around the model’s waist, who hadn’t stopped peppering kisses along his ruined neck for a second. 

Just before he could ever fall back into the dazed euphoria, his eyes widened with a rough dig into his slit, his hips involuntarily buckling up. “Mm…Ngh…Ah?!” he cried out, the fabric beneath his hands crumpling even more under the spiking intensity. Feeling more pre-cum trickle out, Blade let out a soft snort, leaning closer to whisper in his ear, his deep voice resonating straight to the core.

“You’re close. Let it out. Come for me, Dan Heng.”

As if on cue, Dan Heng shut his eyes tight, his body convulsing as he came for the first time of the night. His length jerked as sticky white come spluttered on his bare chest, some even landed at the corner of his lips, before dripping down along his jaw. He whimpered when he felt the model squeeze firmly the tip of his shaft, forcing out more come. 

And yet, Blade didn’t seem to want to stop. He buried his face in the crook of the other’s neck, his hand stroking their lengths relentlessly to chase his own pleasure, prolonging his boyfriend’s first orgasm without giving him time to catch his breath. 

“Uh! Stop! Slow d-down!” 

Dan Heng screamed, his eyes shooting wide open as the overstimulation kicked in. Still oversensitive, he couldn’t stop thrashing around, trying to squirm away from the pleasure that had turned torturously painful, as if a dull knife were jabbing right into his gut. It wasn’t until he felt the other lap away the salty droplet rolling down his cheek that he realised he was crying.

“Shh. Just bear with me a bit longer, alright?” Blade murmured, his free hand slipping at the back of his boyfriend’s neck before squeezing it lightly — a subtle gesture to ground him from the overwhelming feeling. With one last hard stroke, he leaned back down, sinking his teeth into the crook of his neck as he shuddered in release with a muffled grunt, staining the other’s torso with his warm come. 

Dan Heng choked on a wet gasp, more tears spilling from the corners of his reddened eyes with his length splurting out more come, thinner than the first time, before going languid on his abs. Forced to go through two climaxes without any break between them, he couldn’t hear anything but the loud ringing in his ears, mind completely blank from the sheer intensity. Losing the strength to hold himself up, his limbs went slack and fell limp against the couch with a soft thud, heavy breaths escaping his parted lips.

With a deep exhale, Blade straightened up, leaving another prominent bite mark on the other’s bruised neck as he tried to catch his breath too, his hand glistening with their mixed fluids. He hadn’t felt such familiar satisfaction surge through him for a very long time. He would be lying if he said he hadn’t lost control during that moment. In fact, it was utterly impossible to hold himself back when he literally had his boyfriend right beneath him, compliant with no questions asked. 

Gazing down, his breath hitched for a moment before physically pinching his own thigh to stop himself from getting hard again at such an alluring sight. 

Deep red kiss marks littered Dan Heng’s neck, some so high on his throat that not even a turtleneck could hide them. The rosy nipples, still puffy after being left untouched for some time, stood out against his skin, more hickeys scattered across his chest along with a bite mark left on one side. Still, the final touch to his masterpiece was none other than their mixed fluids painting across his torso, a few droplets even landed at the corner of his lips, the erotic sight of his usual aloof boyfriend alone was enough to make anyone’s imagination run wild.

He’s really going to be the death of me.

Catching a quick glimpse of the clock, Blade realised there was little time left to continue with a second round. He clicked his tongue in annoyance, not wanting to waste the remaining time just sitting here to catch their breath. As he took a glance at the other’s wrecked body, trickles of their come running down his perineum, a spark of mischief flashed through his mind.

Lost in a pleasure-drunk haze, Dan Heng barely registered the model pulling his pants back on while scooping up the come from his lean abs, the shared warmth already gone cold. A confused hum escaped his lips, a hand grasping the underside of his left knee as his trembling legs were spread apart once more. It wasn’t until he felt something cold prodding his puckered entrance, that he finally came back to his senses, his teary eyes widening in realisation. 

“Wha— Huh?!”

“Time isn’t up yet, idiot. You can go for another round for me, can’t you?”

Taking advantage of his momentarily daze, Blade instantly slipped his coated middle finger inside him, two knuckles deep. With most of his strength drained from reaching his climax twice in a row, Dan Heng could only let out a soft whimper at the strange sensation of being filled for the first time. His hand weakly clutched onto the armrest, his watery gaze fixated on the sight of the model pulling his finger out before thrusting it back, trying to help him get used to such a feeling. 

“Bl-Blade..”

He spoke softly, as though trying to distract himself from the numbing bliss. Little did he know that the way he called out his name in such a manner only ignited more sparks of arousal in the model. With another thrust, Dan Heng felt another finger nudge its way into his entrance as well, his whimper growing louder with the uncomfortable stretch around the model’s fingers. 

Until those fingers brushed against a spot where the dull pleasure clouding his mind suddenly spiked into an intensity he had never experienced before.

“Nh! Ah?!”

Dan Heng cried out, throwing his head back with his back arched. As if on instinct, his soft length lying on his abdomen twitched slightly, a bead of thin fluid trickling out of the slit. Feeling the pulsating walls squeeze around his fingers so tight he could hardly pull them out, Blade chuckled, before pressing down on the same spot firmer, earning another loud moan from the other. “So here’s your weak spot, huh? I wonder how long will it take for you to lose yourself again,” he teased, a sly smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as his boyfriend’s eyes widened, the overwhelming pleasure washing over him in waves.

Just when Dan Heng felt he was on the brink of his third climax, his insides convulsing in a rhythmic pattern, Blade abruptly pulled his fingers out, leaving him mercilessly empty.

“What—”

“Time’s up. We’re stopping right here,” Blade glanced at the clock, where the hand had moved past two numbers with a soft click, marking that ten minutes had indeed passed. Dan Heng, clearly frustrated for his impending release to be stopped, kicked the model’s side to vent his anger with what little strength he had left — though it did no damage with how his legs were still shivering from the intensity. 

“You started this and now you’re going to leave me hanging like this?!” he exclaimed in disbelief. As if his rebuke carried any threat with his tears-streaked face, Blade merely glanced at him, nonchalantly wiping the fluids from his hand onto his boyfriend’s buttocks. Reaching up, he tugged off the other’s crumpled shirt in one swift move before tossing it aside without care, leaving him completely naked in the cool air.

“I did mention ten minutes only, didn’t I? Shouldn’t you be pleased that I actually kept my words, idiot?” he teased, earning himself a death glare from Dan Heng. Without waiting for any snarky rebuttals, he got off the couch with a grunt and lifted the naked man into his arms, before making his way to the bathroom. “Now, now. Don’t get sulky on me, idiot. I’ll make it up for you later. Let’s get you cleaned up, hm?” 

With a soft sigh, Blade pressed an apologetic kiss on his tired yet feisty boyfriend’s temple. Dan Heng couldn’t bring himself to care about anything, the exhaustion from the aftermath seeping into every inch of his body, including the fact that he was now being carried naked in his arms. Reluctantly, he relaxed against him with a grumpy “hmph”, his eyes closed as he felt the model’s low chuckle reverberating through his broad chest.

“... Whatever.”

“I swear, you’re getting fatter than— I’m just stating the truth, don’t you dare bite me.”

Dan Heng bit back the rest of his words, his hand holding the brush stilled midair when Rice tilted its head up, murderous intent burning beneath its narrowed eyes. Meeting his cat’s gaze, he couldn’t help but draw in a sharp breath, unsure of its next move. Unpredictable as ever, its tail thumped against the floor, eyes narrowed in irritation — a clear sign it didn’t appreciate being body-shamed by its owner. 

Right before Dan Heng could place a bet with himself on whether he was going to get scratched or bitten on his hand, Rice, unexpectedly, flopped back down before rolling to the other side with a loud hiss. His eyes widened in genuine surprise as he let out a deep sigh in relief he had realised he was holding in. Even though its tail was now hitting against his leg like a furry whip, it was no doubt the biggest miracle that he could walk away unscathed after pissing it off.

Is the sun rising from the west? Or…

“Meowwgrrl…”

Sesame purred, bumping its head against his side before leaping into the small space between his crossed legs. With a contented meow, it sat on all fours, looking like a loaf of burnt bread as it snuggled into the cozy space, its head resting on his thigh. Unfortunately, the innocent feline had no clue how much overloaded cuteness it had released to the poor man here, who was on the verge of having a heart attack while snapping a photo of them.

Ever since they returned from Tokyo two days ago, the cats had been unusually demanding — from constantly leaping onto their owners for cuddles when they were chilling on the couch, unconcerned whether their crushing weight would break their ribs, to piling up their plushies and toys on the kitchen counter like prized trophies. Though their playful attempts to seek more attention were understandable, it was still bizarre to Dan Heng with how Rice had become less aggressive towards him, especially whenever Sesame was around.  

As if the wild beast within Rice had been tamed by love… from a male cat. 

“You aren’t the Rice I raised anymore. It’s like you’re totally whipped for Sesame, you know?” Dan Heng shook his head with a resigned sigh, setting his phone aside before running the brush through its fur again. The said cat merely yawned at the comment, rolling onto its belly with its paws stretched out. The corner of his lips twitched in disbelief. “When did you become this lazy? You’re literally just like that fool who still lazes around the place like a worm.”

“Careful with what you say next, idiot.”

Dan Heng felt a strong arm lock loosely around his neck from behind, his back against that familiar chest. Not bothering to look around, he huffed in irritation as he continued brushing his cat, “Go ahead. Strangle me until I’m dead. Let’s see if you’ve finally overcome your cowardice, hm?”

Blade couldn’t help rolling his eyes at his defiant remark. “Don’t tell me you're still mad about that day? I swear, you’re the most petulant idiot I’ve come across. Didn’t I already make it up for you back then?” he grumbled before nibbling on his earlobe — another childish act to show his frustration towards his feisty boyfriend.

As much as Dan Heng disliked the way he was called out for his pettiness, he couldn’t deny the fact that he had been more than adequately compensated after that unpleasant talk at the shrine — be it gifts or words. It was, undoubtedly, a delightful sight to have the usual arrogant man almost on his knees, begging for forgiveness so desperately with those pleading eyes. Even though the idea of being kept in the shadows under such a lame excuse just to make him his “partner” didn’t sit well with him, with the promised compensation still standing, he could still see it through to the very end. 

Not to mention how he relished having Blade being obedient for once throughout the trip.

“... Hmph. Don’t get so cocky, you’re still at fault here,” he mumbled, his tone wry, and yet his free hand involuntarily reached up to ruffle the model’s fluffy hair told a different story. 

His mind isn’t as stubborn as his mouth, huh?

Blade couldn’t stop himself from grinning at the subtle gesture. With a soft chuckle, he released his hold on the other’s neck, encircling his arms around his waist before grazing his lips against the spot beneath his ear — the fleeting kiss barely noticeable. “Alright, alright. I admit I’m the bad guy here. I don’t mind asking for forgiveness over and over until my feisty boyfriend accepts it. But I’m afraid you won’t be able to keep it up for more than five minutes,” he whispered, his teasing laced with sincerity.

“Shut up. What brings you here anyway? New photoshoot?” Dan Heng forcibly changed the topic, trying not to be affected by such a harmless flirtation even with his cheeks tinted with a faint blush. Blade, clearly picking up on the sudden change of his grumpy demeanour, chose to answer his curiosity instead of pushing his buttons further. There was always a good time to tease him again, anyway.

“I’m having a debrief with Jing Yuan later about the shows last week. You don’t have to come with me. Just remember to feed the felines some snacks before I get back.” 

Shooting him a disbelieving glare, Dan Heng lowered his hand to hold Blade’s face, making him look down at the two cats in front of them, each almost the size of a small truck. “Don’t you think you’ve overfed them? Having that garlic-clove-like fur doesn’t make them look any healthier,” he complained, earning an amused sigh from the model, as if he were making a fuss over their size.

“That means they’re well nourished, idiot. And obviously, it’s their fluffy fur that makes them look chubby, right?” Blade retorted, reaching out to give Sesame a gentle scratch on the head. It closed its eyes in relaxation as it purred in agreement with its owner’s words. “Especially your feline here. We’re going to have an indoor blue snowfall before winter with how much it sheds.”

Knowing this wouldn’t come to an end if they kept going back and forth in their seemingly childish banter, Dan Heng grudgingly agreed, though his unimpressive tone gave him away, “Whatever you say, genius. If they are found to be overweight at their check-up, I’m cutting down on their meals.”

Blade huffed in amusement, a victorious smirk crept across his face as he mumbled, “You won’t have the heart to do it. I have to go now, don’t make a ruckus, hm?” Sealing his goodbye with a kiss on the cheek and a playful squeeze on his waist, he rose to his feet, ruffling his boyfriend’s tousled hair before heading to the doorway.

“... I swear, I’ll pour the entire packet of sugar into his coffee next time.”

“You’re good to go, Sesame.”

Dan Heng patted the cat’s bum gently, hinting that its exclusive brushing session had come to an end. With a big yawn, Sesame got on all fours and stretched its front paws forward with its bum arched high in the air. Aside from playing with Rice, grooming was one of the things it loved most. Being the cleanest and most elegant cat was always its top priority, not to mention now it had a new companion to play with. It ought to take care of its appearance more often — except when it came for bathing. 

“Georrll…”

Satisfied, it left the living room in graceful steps, its tail held high. Dan Heng shook his head in fondness, plucking the tangled fur from the brush and dumping it aside, where a mixture of blue and light beige shed fur had piled up into a small hill. “You’re always honest about what you want. If only your owner were half as honest as you — who knows what else he’s still hiding from me?” he mumbled to the cat, or rather, to himself. 

Up until now, he had yet to come to a valid answer as to why Blade was so desperate to make a normal person like him to be his “partner”, to the extent of teaming up with his agent to maintain such a pointless facade. He was confident that during his time at his former agency, he had never crossed paths with him, let alone known him. Besides, the idea of being special enough to catch a celebrity’s attention never occurred to him, unless…

“Meowrll…”

Dan Heng glanced up at the source of the sound, only to find Sesame pawing at a closed door, its tail lashing from side to side. His curiosity instantly piqued at the realisation, old memories overlapping the sight before him. Just like that same day, he knew that door better than anyone else, or perhaps even better than the feline itself. It was Blade’s study room, after all — the place he set foot in for less than five minutes.

And the place he had discovered a secret he never found the chance to ask the model about. 

“Meeooww!”

“It’s not a voice recognition door, you dummy. It’ll never budge no matter how loud you yell,” he let out an amused sigh, setting the brush aside as he pushed himself upright. Striding across the room, he stood still beside the cat, who was still making a futile attempt in digging a hole through the door, as if something precious were hidden inside the room. 

“Meowgrrl…”

As if the cold, blunt truth had finally dawned on the poor cat, the dull scratching sound against the wooden door ceased. Sesame sat on the floor, eyes fixed on the doorknob — the key to its destiny, yet unreachable for a furry truck like itself. “Meow…” it purred softly, no longer aggressive or demanding, but rather pleading.

Catching a quick glimpse of the cat’s pitiful eyes, Dan Heng couldn’t help but let out a deep sigh before glancing back at the closed door. Undoubtedly, the sight of Sesame looking so dejected tugged at his heartstrings — much like the time when he had tried feeding it a smaller portion of shredded boiled chicken for tea time, only for those miserable eyes to amplify his guilt tenfold.

In the end, he had given in and fed it double the amount, earning himself a light punch on the head from Blade for overfeeding it before dinner.

It should be fine, right? 

Reaching up, he grasped the doorknob. Sesame instantly tilted its head towards him, its eyes sparkling in anticipation, as if its saviour had finally come to save its day. Unlike last time, when he had been trembling from the fear of breaking the rule, he turned it downwards and pushed the door wide open without a single ounce of hesitation. 

Once a tiny opening appeared as he pushed the door, Sesame wasted no time squeezing itself through the narrow gap. From what he could recall, there hadn't been any noticeable changes in the room since the day he entered for the first time, except that the yearbook was now gone on the desk, replaced by a stack of black binders. Despite its round figure, the feline managed to pull through by jumping onto the office chair before leaping onto the desk agilely, its nose twitching to catch the scent it had been searching for.

“Are you still looking for that mouse toy? Didn’t I just see Rice taking it with…”

Dan Heng’s words trailed off the moment Sesame pushed its head between the piles of binders, only to pull out a green dragon plushie with goofy eyes in its mouth. A flicker of bewilderment flashed through his face as he cocked an eyebrow, his eyes narrowing at the funny-looking plushie in the feline’s mouth. 

“Is this some sort of courting ritual in the cat world? Exchanging toys while licking your own balls together…” he asked quietly. Delighted to have found the gift from Rice, Sesame leapt down to the floor, its tail holding high once more as it walked away, ready to join the other cat at the cat room. 

Not bothering to look back, it failed to notice the pile of binders stacked at the very edge of the table toppling over from the impact of its jump, the hard cover landing on his foot with a firm thud.

“Oh, fuck! Ouch! Why does this fool never keep his things in place!”

Dan Heng yelped, a sudden burst of pain coursing through his nerves as he knelt down, clutching his foot with his eyes squeezed shut. Fortunately, just as quickly as it came, the pain subsided, leaving a faint bruise surfacing beneath his skin. Breathing out a heavy sigh, he reached out to grab the binders scattered around him, grumbling in annoyance, “That’s it. I’m adding three packets of sugar to his coffee. Or perhaps I should mix his coffee beans with salted black beans…”

A photo slipped out from one of the binders, sliding right beside him.

Involuntarily, he picked it up out of curiosity, holding it by the corner between his thumb and index finger. It wasn’t one of those fancy photoshoots Blade had taken over the years as a model, or any picturesque landscape taken anywhere. It was just a plain street photo, the composition messy with the cars and passerby blurred out in the background, save for that one person in the middle of it. 

The man with a black-framed glasses in the photo was leaning against the wall, his gaze fixated on the phone with his earbuds. A small plastic bag with a pharmacy’s name imprinted on it was held in his hand while the other gripped on the handle of a carrier bag. Inside the bag lay a British shorthair, gazing at the outside world, deadpan. 

Funny enough, this man bore an uncanny resemblance to Dan Heng… That was him, wasn’t it? 

“What the…”

He mumbled, his eyebrows arching high and eyes widening in genuine surprise. Flipping to the back of the photo, he found nothing but a date written on it. It had been taken a year ago, but that day remained vivid in his mind, since it was the time when he had no choice but to take leave after suffering from a migraine for a week with no signs of getting any better. Rice would remember that day all too well too, since it was the day it lost its real balls.

Even so, it was nothing more than a normal Wednesday morning. Nothing special at all.

“Did Blade take this?” he mumbled under his breath, the gears in his mind churning as everything began to click into place. Yet, the more he thought about it, the more the scepticism he felt towards this fake relationship resurfaced. Aside from the fact that the model had been willing to make up a lie just to convince a normal person like him to be his “partner”, it was definitely strange to take someone’s photo in such a discreet manner, only to find the same person again a year later, as if he had spent the time observing his daily routine and preference, trying to know his every detail inside out. 

He couldn’t think of a better explanation than the one in his mind. He was being stalked.

Dan Heng felt a chill run down his spine, a cold sweat trailing down his neck. His mind went completely blank, save for the loud ringing echoing inside him, the fear of being watched by someone consuming him whole, especially when the stalker was none other than the man he agreed to be his “partner”. And now, with the thought of every word he heard, every kiss he felt and even the night they spent on the couch flashing across his mind, his guts twisted uncomfortably, nauseous. He was too blind. He was too blind by his desperation to make money as fast as possible, to the point that he had walked straight into the other’s trap without realising a thing. 

He should’ve chosen to walk away from this back at the shrine. 

“If that’s the case, there shouldn’t be just one photo, right?” he muttered to himself. Setting the photo aside with his trembling hands, he glanced at the binder before him, the one the photo had slipped out from. He knew he shouldn’t let himself indulge any further. He had to pack up his things and leave before Blade came back. He needed to find a place where the other couldn’t reach him anymore. Because once the truth was revealed, he couldn’t look at him the same way anymore, along with the worst case scenario — he might not be able to run if he got caught. 

Before he knew it, the binder was in his hands, the cover open. There were no photos at all.

“Over 150 were killed, 100 remained missing”, “Building collapsed, casualties unknown"

Instead, news articles from different presses were filed in punch pockets before being slipped into the binder, some were cut out from physical copies or printed from online resources. With every page he turned, his brows furrowed deeper as the initial fear slowly faded, only to be replaced by puzzlement. Nearly all of the articles were scribbled with illegible words, with every number referring to the missing being underlined in a few black strokes. Some pages were even crumpled, as if the person who filed the binder rolled them up in frustration before smoothing them out again. 

Despite the absurd number of articles, Dan Heng couldn’t help but notice a specific name that always appeared among all of them he found — Stellis International School. His former school once and presumably, Blade’s one too. The discovery of these articles rather than any stalking photo he could imagine did nothing to ease his doubts. In fact, it only piled more questions on top of the unanswered ones. 

He was so absorbed in his new findings that he didn’t register the sound of quiet footsteps slowly approaching, not until he felt a pair of strong arms wrap around him from behind, trapping him effortlessly.

“And here I thought you wouldn’t cause a ruckus, Dan Heng.”

In the end, curiosity really did kill the cat.

Dan Heng’s breath hitched. He could feel his heart skip a beat, the overwhelming panic surging through him. Losing his strength for a moment, the binder slipped out from his hands, the sound of its cover gliding across the ground broke through the uncomfortable silence. He parted his lips in an attempt to come up any excuses he could think of, yet with the heavy tension hanging between them, a breathy gasp was all he could muster. 

Resting his head on his boyfriend’s shoulder, Blade tightened his arms in an unyielding grip, his gaze fixated on the open binder lying on the floor. “Of all the binders lying around here you could’ve looked through, you had to find the one I never wanted to share with anyone else,” he whispered, his tone unexpectedly quiet despite the outrageous situation, as if it were the calm before the storm.

Dan Heng instinctively grasped his forearms as he felt the arms around him tighten just a fraction — still loose enough for him to breathe, but definitely strong enough to keep him from escaping the upcoming “interrogation”. He had grown so accustomed to the model expressing his irritation outwardly that the sight of him unusually calm, especially after breaking his promise by walking into his study room and even finding out something he shouldn’t have, terrified him. 

What terrified him even more was when Blade answered the biggest concern in his mind before he could bring it up.

“I didn’t take that photo or stalk you. I just had someone help me confirm that you have returned. That’s all.”

“You… didn’t?”

Blade affirmed his words with a subtle nod, the loose strands of his hair that always stuck out brushing against the other’s neck. Letting out a deep sigh, he continued, “A little bird told me you’ve returned from overseas. But with the media watching every move of my private life, I couldn’t afford to risk the status I’ve built up. So I have him verify the source and run a background check on you, just in case.”

“Background check? What was that for?” Dan Heng asked, puzzled. Amused by his reaction, Blade huffed, finally loosening his hold around him with a resigned sigh. “Just to make sure you didn’t come back because you had committed a crime. Don’t hate me for this, but if I hadn’t known where you worked, you would have fallen flat on your face in the alley when you were stupid enough to take shots with an empty stomach."

As the realisation finally dawned on Dan Heng, he turned his head, only to find those crimson eyes softening under his gaze. “So our encounter is intentional. You planned it beforehand,” he whispered, barely audible but loud enough to have the model breathe out a sigh of relief, his intention finally getting through that thick skull of his boyfriend. 

Lowering his gaze, Blade caught a glimpse of the photo lying among the scattered binders, where a crescent-shaped dent remained visible at the bottom corner, as if the immense feeling of regaining the one he had missed for so long still lingered on that small mark on it. Instinctively, his mind spilled out before he could stop it.

“I was really close to giving in to the urge to reach out and confront you about the past.”

The moment those words slipped past his lips, Blade froze, his eyes widening in utter surprise. He had been so caught up in the moment that he unintentionally let his thoughts spill out. Unsure whether the other had picked up anything, he could only tighten his arms around his waist, a weak attempt to distract him from his own absentmindedly rambling. 

“... Does it have to do with Stellis?”

It took almost half a minute for the model to fully register his boyfriend’s question. He lifted his head, lips slightly parted, mumbling, “Huh?” Dan Heng, who had been pondering for some time, tilted his head back, his thumbs mindlessly rubbing circles on his forearms as he admitted, “Last time I came here, there was a yearbook from Stellis on your desk… I saw you in it, as a student.”

Fortunately, being hugged from behind, he couldn’t see the model’s expression, otherwise, he might have questioned the way his reddened eyes glistened, as if he were on the verge of tears, With a sharp intake of breath, Blade pulled him closer in his embrace, his mind torn apart between the relief of finally revealing part of the real story and the dread of what might come after. Noticing his unusual silence, Dan Heng chose not to point it out but instead stayed quiet, waiting patiently until he heard the model’s muffled voice.

“... That incident tore him and me apart. He promised he would never forget me, because I was the miracle of his life. But with all those promises, he never came back. As if I had never been part of his life.”

Blade whispered, his voice cracking as a rare moment of vulnerability seeped out. Just reminiscing about a fragment of their shared memories, once buried deep in his mind, was already painful enough. He was literally one step away from laying everything bare in front of him. Yet, he still couldn’t bring himself to say more. All he could do was hope the other would pick up the subtle meaning behind his confession.

In the end, he was still a coward. 

A long silence hung in the shared space, with neither of them saying a word. Just before Blade was about to break it, he felt his forearms being released, followed by a gentle ruffle on his hair in a soothing gesture. With a reluctant sigh, Dan Heng mumbled, breaking the silence, “... I can’t really recall anything from when I was still at Stellis…”

Maybe… I look like his lost beloved.

“... But as long as you need me, I’ll be here for you.”

One second. Five seconds. Perhaps even ten seconds had passed. Blade remained still, his mind filled with disbelief and a faint trace of… disappointment. Clearly, the other had once again failed to notice the true meaning hidden behind his words. Still, he never said it aloud. He simply let out a deep sigh, burying his face in his boyfriend’s neck as he silently savoured the feeling of his hair being tousled under that affectionate touch. 

Once an idiot, always an idiot.

Chapter Text

It was five in the morning. 

Soft rustles of dried leaves brushed along the pavement in the chilly breeze, their shadows overlapping beneath the faint glow of the streetlight. The usually bustling street was now relatively empty, save for a few ride-hailing cars driving past and some sleep-deprived workers standing next to the bus stop, awaiting the earliest bus. Rice could never understand why humans tended to hunt before the sun rose. It was never a perfect time to get…

Ding! Ding!

It was always a perfect time to get up for breakfast.

Leaping down from the basket at the top of the cat tree, Rice dashed towards the dining area, its hurried steps clicking against the floor. Sesame, who was scratching its claws on the post, instantly followed suit, sprinting towards the source of the sound, where the automatic cat feeder had just bestowed their first meal of the day. 

For the past two years, Sesame had spent most of its time either waiting for its owner atop the cabinet or wandering around the place. Alone. Having not stepped out to the outside world, except for its semi-annual checkups, its life could only revolve around countless toys and interesting furniture designated for it. Still, despite all the tasty food and adorable toys, none of it meant nothing compared to the presence of its only family — its owner. 

It wasn’t until its owner brought a short-haired man back, accompanied by a new feline companion that a small spark was ignited in its dull life. Rice wasn’t the kindest cat Sesame met so far, given how often it punched or bit its own owner. Yet, when their gaze locked for the first time, it felt a telepathic connection was shared between them, as if they had always been meant for each other.

It was definitely love at first sight. 

The feeder hadn’t even finished dispensing the food when both of them were already in front of it, burying their heads in the food-filled bowls and gobbling down, as if it would vanish into thin air in the next second. With their tails intertwined, the two cats enjoyed their feast in silence, the famine crisis resolved within seconds.

A round of chase was a must for their after-meal exercise.

Whether it was the expensive leather couch or the customised ceramic kitchen island, they were merely obstacles in the cats’ eyes, adding a hint of challenge to their “battleground”. Jumping onto the dining table, Sesame glanced back for a brief moment before leaping off again, dashing towards the couch as soon as Rice got on the table as well. Its eyes glinted with excitement, the adrenaline coursing through its body as it surged forward, leaping across the furniture just to catch up with the other cat.

With the floor beneath the penthouse remaining unoccupied, no one could ever file a noise complaint with the way the cats sprinted around — the chairs screeching from the impact of their jumps, the couch sinking in with a thud under their weight as they landed. Alas, the final note of their play ended with Rice slamming into the door with its body before it could brake from running too fast, a loud bang reverberating through the spacious room.

The clock struck six when the door swung open, revealing a dazed, long-haired man — Rice’s current favourite human in the household. 

“You two… I don’t need you to crash into my door to wake me up, alright? It’s going to break if you keep this up,” Blade sighed, his tone holding no grudge at all. He glanced down at Rice, who was shaking its head while walking away, as if it were trying to ease the embarrassment. Clapping his hands lightly, he called out, “Come up here.”

As if acting on instinct, Rice turned around and scurried towards him before standing on its hind legs, its paws clinging to his sweatpants. Its innocent eyes sparked with pleading, making it look no different from a child being wronged for. With a soft grunt, he leant down and picked up the cat, cradling it in his arms as he mumbled, “You didn’t hurt yourself, did you? You really are just like your idiotic owner, I wonder how he has managed to live alone for so long with no sense of self preservation at all.” 

“Mew..”

A soft nuzzle against his chin was all Rice could respond as it let out a quiet meow, seeking more affection, as if it were hurt. Despite knowing that the small incident wouldn’t have caused any injury on its chubby body, he couldn’t help but feel pity at its sorrowful demeanour. His voice involuntarily softened as he caressed its back, coaxing, “There, there. Maybe I should get some more climbing sleeves for both of you…”

Making his way to the pantry, where Sesame was found padding along the counters with its tail held high in the air, Blade finally let Rice off his arms before giving his own cat a gentle chin scratch, allowing it to rest its head against his hand. “Seems like you’ve got used to your new companion, hm? You’ve never been this energetic this early before,” he muttered, earning a contented purr from the cat. 

Perhaps the euphoric feeling was a bit too overwhelming for the little one. Its body tilted over instinctively, pressing its weight on his hand before it even realised it was on the verge of falling off. With quick reflexes, its owner reached out, supporting its body with his free hand right after it lost balance for a moment. 

“You—!” Blade exclaimed, his eyes widening with the lingering fatigue from waking up early dissipating at once. Holding Sesame back to sit on the counter once more, a wry sigh slipped past his lips. “When did you pick up that idiot’s bad habit? Now I’ve got two reckless felines and one stubborn boyfriend to deal with...” he grumbled, rubbing the bridge of his nose with one hand while the other rested on his hip, resignation evident in his weary voice. 

“Meowgrll…“

Oblivious to his frustration, Sesame flopped sideways on the counter to lick its paw, as though it hadn’t almost given its owner a heart attack a moment ago. While it was busy grooming itself, Rice silently scooted closer, placing its front paw over the other’s body, eyes closed in relaxation as it licked its head clean. Watching both felines seemingly pay no attention to his complaints, the long-haired man could only let out a dry chuckle, unsure whether to be annoyed or happy to see them shamelessly showing off their affection. 

“I swear, both of you are the most infuriating felines I’ve ever met.”

And just like that, the two cats fell back into one of their daily routines — putting on a lovey-dovey show in front of Blade while he brewed his coffee. 

Leaning against the counter, Blade took a sip of his freshly brewed coffee — his go-to drink to start his day, no matter how hectic it was. As he savoured the bitterness on the tip of his tongue, he could smell the faint aroma of ground coffee beans lingering in the enclosed space, adding a touch of warmth to the morning’s peaceful tranquility. Catching a glimpse of the cats, still engrossed in licking each other clean after ten whole minutes, he shook his head in quiet amusement. 

“Still as clingy as ever…” he mumbled, reaching out to turn on the tap. A thin stream of water flowed from it, trickling into the sink with a crisp sound. With a gentle tap on both Rice and Sesame’s head with his index finger, he cupped his free hand to catch the water, acting as a makeshift bowl. “Don’t just keep thinking about food or licking your balls all the time. Drink some water, hm?”

“Grrll…”

Reluctantly, both of them got on all fours, stretching their backs with their paws spread wide. From the corner of his eye, he saw the cats standing at the edge of the sink, their heads leaning forward as they drank the water gathered in his hand. Satisfied with their compliance, a small smile crept across Blade’s face, before he looked away, taking another sip of his coffee. 

“Should I be concerned about how the hell the two of you share the same peculiar drinking habit?”

Once Rice noticed the long-haired man placing a glass of the leftover coffee in the fridge, it knew it was almost time for the next step of its routine — protecting the human from any lurking danger in that perilous room. 

The sight of the two felines waiting by the door to the home gym never failed to amuse Blade. A light-hearted chuckle escaped his lips as he walked over towards them, where Rice was already pawing at the door while Sesame gazed up at him, its eyes glistening in anticipation. Unable to resist the urge, he leant down to scoop Sesame into his hands before nudging the door open with his leg. 

“Didn’t you always dislike coming to the gym whether I was around or not? Why the sudden change of heart?” he asked. The cat in his arms answered with only a faint rumble, bumping its head against his cheek. Rice, on the other hand, sauntered into the room, leaping between the weight bench and the pull-up bars mounted on the wall, until it landed in a cozy corner, where a brand new cat tree had been installed for less than a month. 

Slotting itself into one of the baskets that resembled a bird’s nest, Rice let out a big yawn as it rolled onto its stomach, clearly pleased with the new spot for its morning nap. Noticing its companion was about to take its nap without it, Sesame started squirming in its owner’s arms, hinting him to instantly release his hold. Moving as fast as it could, it climbed onto the basket with all its might before lying down beside the other cat.

Bewildered, Blade’s eyes widened slightly for a moment before he regained his composure, his cat’s intention dawning on him with a soft snort. Making sure the door was closed with a quiet click, he only dared to pull off his sweater in one swift move, where no one could ever catch a glimpse of his bare torso, not even his boyfriend… for now. 

“Do you ever spend a moment alone without having your balls sticking to Rice’s?” he muttered. His hand reached out to give both cats a quick scratch on the neck before he walked away to prepare for his morning workout while the felines slowly drifted off to the land of dreams, their chubby bodies filling up the entire basket. “Even now, I still can’t tell whether you’re trying to motivate me more or protect me from overexerting.”

The danger never came whenever Rice was around — because the danger itself was always fast asleep. 

Both Sesame and Rice woke up, basking in the warm sunlight reflected off the wall of mirrors.

Merely an hour had passed, and yet rays of morning sunlight peeked through layers of heavy clouds, illuminating the edge of the horizon with a spray of gold. The long-haired human was nowhere to be seen in the room anymore, with only a few dumbbells slightly out of place on the neatly arranged rack and the lingering warmth left on the weight bench proved his presence. Sesame rolled onto its other side while Rice leant forward, sticking its tongue out to clean the other cat’s face after their deep nap. 

Just then, Rice went still with that familiar feeling coursing through its bottom. As if they shared the same senses, Sesame instantly rose from the basket. Within seconds, they wasted no time dashing out of the room, moving on to their next step of their routine — getting rid of the stinky substances inside them.

Their determination was so strong that neither of them stopped when they each bumped against the short-haired man’s ankle before sprinting away.

“Ouch! You two! What the hell was that for!” Dan Heng yelped, his hands instinctively gripping the edge of the kitchen island before he was one second away from falling flat on his face. After taking a few seconds to regain his balance, he glanced in the direction the two cats had gone, leaving behind nothing but a gust of wind brushing against his legs. 

“Stop making a fuss over them, idiot. It’s not like they’re going to murder you.”

“Have you ever been hit by two furry trucks at the same time? If not, then shut up.”

“Feisty as ever. Here — your sedative before you get too riled up.”

Freshly bathed and dressed in a new sweater, Blade set the coaster down, followed by a glass filled with iced coffee. His playful remarks, of course, fueled up Dan Heng’s annoyance. Holding the glass in his hands, he tilted his head away as he took a sip, not bothering with the way his fingertips reddened from the cold droplets of water sliding down the glass. 

“Your hair’s so messy. You would probably poke someone to death if you used some hair clay on the end of those strands,” Blade joked, reaching up to ruffle his boyfriend’s sleep-tousled hair to prove his ridiculous point. 

Dan Heng, already grumpy from the earlier teasing, tilted his head even further, biting down hard on the straw, as if the poor thing were that annoying smirk hanging across Blade’s face. “Is that so? Then you’ll be at the top of my list then,” he grumbled. Unfazed by his “harmless” threat, the model only found his sulky answer even more amusing . Leaning down, he pressed a soft kiss on the crown of his head, followed by a light pinch on cheeks, soothing his feisty boyfriend before he could even bite him like a hot-tempered cat.

“At least have your breakfast first before ‘murdering’ me, hm? We’ve got a hectic day ahead, so you had better get ready for it.”

Dan Heng huffed in irritation, though he didn’t resist when the model pushed his luck, lowering his kiss to his temple, the subtle ministration on his cheek remained. Tilting his head back, he asked, his interest piqued by his words, “Hectic? Since when did you start accepting bookings on weekends?” 

Upon hearing his cluelessness, Blade couldn’t help but let out a snicker, giving the other’s cheek one last squish before pulling away, along with a gentle pat on his head. “As if I would waste my free time on those boring jobs. It’s almost time to bathe the two felines. It has been almost months since Sesame’s last one,” he explained. 

Watching the model rummage through the cabinets to prepare the ingredients for their breakfast, Dan Heng merely hummed in understanding, taking another sip of the coffee as he leaned back on the chair, his arms crossed over his chest. “Come to think about it, I haven’t bathed Rice yet ever since he moved in here. But I can’t be sure whether he’ll get stressed in a new environment or not,” he mumbled, pressing his lips into a thin line, deep in thought. 

“How about you bathe Sesame instead? Your feline seems to like me more than its own owner anyway.” 

Dan Heng couldn’t resist cocking an eyebrow at the model’s suggestion. As much as he disliked the fact that his cat had now taken a liking in a human who only lived with it for less than three months, when he had literally raised it for the past two years, it didn’t hurt to give it a try — much because he wasn’t going to get hurt under Rice’s punches. With a resigned sigh, he retorted, his gaze shifting to the man, whose back was facing him as he took the eggs out of the fridge.

“I could say the same goes to your cat too, genius. But since I’m feeling generous right now, I should warn you that Rice isn’t the kind to stay put during a shower.”

Blade scoffed, glancing over his shoulder to find his boyfriend cocking his head to the side, arms still crossed, as if trying to provoke him with that so-called “warning”. “Yeah, right. Should I get down on my knees to appreciate your generosity? And it’s quite a coincidence that my feline isn’t exactly the obedient one you always see,” he snapped back, before looking away to place the eggs in his hand into a bowl.

Noticing a spark of amusement flickering in those crimson eyes, Dan Heng couldn’t stop a soft snort from slipping past his lips, shaking his head at Blade’s ignorance. “Alright. Let’s see who gets the last laugh until the end then. I’m not going to comfort you if Rice bites your annoying ass,” he taunted, earning a dismissive laugh from the model.

“Good luck to you too, idiot. I’m not giving you any sick leave if you need a vaccine for Sesame’s scratches.”

Meanwhile, the said cats were deeply absorbed in licking each other’s balls on the couch, completely oblivious to the “disaster” awaiting them. 

“Meow!”

“Just bear with me, Sesame, please—”

“Meeeoow!”

“Sesame—”

“Meeeoooowwer!”

Dan Heng sighed deeply, his eyes closing for a brief moment before opening again, resignation evident in his gaze. He still couldn’t bring himself to believe that this was the same cat who hadn’t resisted for a second while he trimmed its nails or groomed its tangled fur minutes ago — not even a single hiss when he applied the solution to its ears, when Rice would never hesitate to bite his hand afterwards.

Scooping up the water with a small bowl, he gently rinsed the shampoo off Sesame’s body, who hadn’t stopped meowing the moment its paws touched the water in the tub. Even so, it didn’t try to protest aside from yelling on top of its lungs, as if it were being thrown into boiling water. 

“You’re a yapper, aren’t you?” he asked, his words answered by another loud meow from Sesame. An amused chuckle escaped his lips despite the cat’s deafening protests. Reaching up, he added more lather to the top of its head, where a small mountain had already formed, making it look no different from an elegant man wearing a top hat on. 

“You aren’t as disobedient as I thought. I swear, your owner’s exaggerating things again.” he complained, picking up the bowl to rinse the remaining foam off its body. “They said pets always resemble their owners, but it doesn’t seem to apply to you and your foolish owner. Someone like him who always pisses me off isn’t as adorable as you. Unlike you, he’s really annoying, infuriating, insolent…”

It wasn’t until the mention of the model that he realised he might have rambled on too much. Pulling his wandering thoughts back, he fell silent, his hands reaching down to wash Sesame’s paws in the tub. The bathroom was nearly quiet, save for the cat’s loud meows echoing like a symphony and the gentle ripples of the water in the tub. Moments later, he spoke, this time softer, as if answering himself rather than the cat.

“... And he’s using me for his redemption.”

“... Meeeoooorrw…”

“Sounds like that idiot’s having fun with Sesame.”

“...”

“Hopefully they won’t break down the bathroom with all that ruckus.”

“...”

“And when the hell are you going to get off my back?”

“Meow…”

Being stuck in such a helpless situation, Blade sighed. He really had to thank the past self from a few minutes ago for deciding to bathe Rice half-dressed, otherwise his sweater would’ve definitely been ruined by the cat’s soggy body. Though without the protection of the fabric, the way its trimmed nails dug into his back muscles was, undoubtedly, going to leave marks for the next few days. 

Ignoring Rice’s pestering protests, Blade reached up, lifting the cat with one hand before lowering it back down to the tub. The moment it was on the verge of escaping again, he held its chest in an unyielding grip, its paws involuntarily resting on his hand. “I swear, when that idiot said you never stay put, he never told me you would actually climb around like a monkey,” he grumbled, sweeping his hair to the front, the ends of the strands damp from being dragged into the tub by the grumpy cat.

“Meowgrll…”

“Stop giving me that stare. You know it’s for your own good. Sesame won’t like a feline who walks around with a stinky ass,” he retorted. As if to show its disapproval of being called stinky, Rice shot a displeased glare at him, who merely huffed while tapping on its head, rubbing more lather into its fur. 

“Seriously, you’re as feisty as that idiot. I can never be at ease with how stubborn he is all the time. He never thinks about the literal meaning behind anything. I’ve already made it so obvious, and yet he still missed the entire point! How can he be so naive and troublesome at the same time…” he mumbled, scooping a handful of water before pouring it down onto Rice’s back. 

Realising he had blurted out his inner thoughts aloud, his hand on the cat’s back froze for a second, eyes widening before he composed himself with an irritated click of tongue. The room soon fell into a comfortable silence between Rice and the long-haired human, accompanied by the distant meows from the other cat echoing on the other side of the place. With another scoop of water on its back, he murmured again, his voice barely audible.

“... Of course, someone as idiotic as me will still love the same idiot despite everything.”

“Meoggrrrl…”

“... For the last time, stop chewing on my hair.”

“You’re such a pain in the ass, Sesame. We’re going to get noise complaints from the neighbours if you keep this up next time you shower.”

“Grrl…”

Its half-hearted response only deepened the resignation stirred inside Dan Heng. Flopping onto the couch, which the impact was hard enough to have the pillows at its edge tumble onto the floor, he sighed. He was wrong to assume that bathing Sesame would be easier than his own cat, judging merely how obedient it seemed most of the time. For a cat who tended to be vocal about its needs, the possibility of it being a chatterbox in the shower had completely slipped out of his mind.

With his arms raised to cover his face, he closed his eyes, exhaustion evident in his nearly parched throat. “Though I must say, having a back-and-forth with you is way better than with that fool. Just being made fun of by him makes me want to smash his head against a wall,” he mumbled, unaware of the man approaching, his footsteps quiet against the floor.

“Am I really that annoying to you, idiot?”

Despite the familiar voice rising above his head, Dan Heng felt neither an ounce of panic nor guilt at being caught red-handed, as if he had been right all along. “Obviously. Sesame may be too talkative during shower time, but at least he won’t tease me like the way you always do…” he snapped back, yet the rest of his words died on the tip of his tongue the moment he lifted his arm, his eyes opening to such a sight before him. 

Aside from the fact that Blade was now wearing a tight-fitting turtleneck, which openly showed off the curves of his muscular body unlike the loose sweater from before, his usually unattended long hair, except during photoshoots, was now pinned up into a ponytail with a hairpin decorated with white magnolias, a red plate long knot dangling at the end of it. 

Dan Heng recognised that hairpin. The only time he had seen the model wearing it was the time when they visited the shrine back in Tokyo, with the other brushing him off with the excuse of “the wind’ll mess up my hair” when he asked afterwards. For someone like Blade who tended to appear as imposing, the garment surprisingly suited him without a hint of discord, adding a touch of warmth to his stoic demeanour.

“You’re staring again, idiot.”

Perhaps having grown used to being called out for the same reason once again, Dan Heng simply huffed in defiance, tilting his head to the side as he retorted, “Can’t I be curious why you would have your hair tied up when you’re not even working?” 

Amused by his feisty behaviour, Blade shook his head with a chuckle before sitting down on the edge of the couch, his body facing his boyfriend. “You’re getting bolder these days, huh? Your feline won’t stop playing with my hair. I would’ve gone bald if I hadn’t stopped it. And for your information, there’s no one living beneath us, so stop worrying about noise complaints, idiot.”

“Then what about the one living on the same—”

A gentle pinch on his nose was enough to make Dan Heng fall silent again. “I know I’m never wrong to call you an idiot. Have you not realised there’s only one penthouse on this floor? Of course the felines can do whatever they want.” Blade explained, his amusement heightened as that cocky smirk tugged on his lips. “That said, the private rooftop’s off-limits to them. Better keep that in mind.”

“You never bothered to tell me at the beginning, but only now?” the other asked in disbelief, swatting the hand in front of his face away with a scowl. 

“Just happened to cross my mind, that’s all,” Blade shrugged nonchalantly as he released his hold on the other’s nose. Brushing the fringe away from his boyfriend’s forehead, he leant down and planted another kiss on it, leaving a feather-light touch to him. “You’re going to have wrinkles if you keep that grumpy look on your face, idiot.”

..Grrl

Just before Dan Heng could bite back with another snappy remark, a faint gurgle from his already-starved stomach broke the light banter between the two men on the couch. Flustered, he placed his hand on the model’s chest and pushed him away hastily. “My throat’s going to die from talking too much nonsense with you. Make me something,” he grumbled, turning sideways with his back facing him.

Struck between amusement and annoyance, Blade could help but chuckle, a teasing grin quirking up at the corner of his lips, mumbling, “Since when have you become bossy at my own place? Aren’t you supposed to serve me as an assistant?” He patted on his boyfriend’s shoulder lightly, which earned himself a disgruntled hum from him, clearly not in the mood of continuing on the seemingly meaningless bicker. 

Closing his eyes in feigned oblivion, Dan Heng could only register the loud rustling behind him as the model rose from the couch. It wasn’t until he felt himself being hauled over that his eyes shot wide open, realising he was now being carried like a sack of potatoes. 

“Consider yourself lucky that I’m willing to spoil you, idiot. Let’s get some light lunch for your starving ass,” Blade teased, making his way to the kitchen before giving a light slap on the back of his thigh. Annoyed, Dan Heng retorted, “Is this the least courtesy you can afford? I was supposed to work out after breakfast, but I guess bathing Sesame alone is enough to offset the calories…”

It was supposed to be the cats’ peaceful morning nap time, yet it was completely disrupted by the last-minute change in their routine — being kidnapped by the human into a water-filled confined space. Lying on top of the kitchen island, Sesame and Rice, now fresh and clean from their showers, didn’t bother to move out of the way when Blade plopped the other down on the high chair. 

“And when’re you going to change that habit of throwing people around like a toy?” Dan Heng protested, his hand involuntarily reaching out to rub on Sesame’s exposed stomach, who didn’t even protest at such a sudden gesture.

Ruffling his boyfriend’s hair for one last time, Blade walked towards the fridge before getting the ingredients he had prepared beforehand. “Not in a million years.” he responded, annoying as usual.

While Sesame was immersed in the short-haired man’s massage, its tail gently swishing across the surface, Rice had its paws tucked inside its chest, sitting as if it were a loaf of blue bread. Its gaze followed the long-haired man, who was still focused on preparing their own lunch, a bowl of freshly washed lettuce beside the sink, along with a bowl of warm water holding a ziplock bag of boiled chicken breast.

“Meowgrll…”

Noticing the soft purr behind him, Blade looked over to find Rice gazing up at him, its eyes slowly blinking at him. The cat, more clueless than it seemed, didn’t have to know the amount of damage it had done to him beneath that stoic expression. Tearing off a small piece of lettuce, he held it out in front of it, a subtle smile creeping across his face.

“You want to try this?”

“...”

The “bland” offering, obviously, was hardly enough to satisfy the cat’s appetite as it turned its head to the side, as if its face had the message “Get it out of my face” written all over it. With an amused sigh, he turned around and set the lettuce aside, only to return seconds later — this time with a small piece of shredded chicken in his hand.

“This?”

“Meeoowww…”

Without hesitation, Rice gobbled the food down, careful not to bite his hand by accident before savouring the aftertaste with a lick of its lips. Attracted by the delectable lure, it pushed itself upright as it sat in a not-so-elegant posture — its hind legs stretched out and front paws placed between them. It wasn’t even trying the bare minimum to act adorable, yet the urge to spoil the cat with more food was far too irresistible for the long-haired human. 

“Sesame isn’t as obsessed with food compared to you. I still can’t help but wonder if your owner truly never mistreats you,” Blade mumbled, not forgetting to cast the said man a sideways glance to see whether his words had reached his ears. Undoubtedly, his rhetorical question managed to provoke Dan Heng once more. Rolling his eyes in irritation, he hissed, “You really love to bring up the past, don’t you? Do I need to spell it out—!”

“Alright, alright. I hear you loud and clear, idiot. Guess I’ll have to brew another glass of coffee to stuff that feisty mouth of yours.”

Before Dan Heng could protest, his eyes widened as a piece of lettuce was stuffed into his mouth without warning. Blade, always a step ahead, took another piece from the bowl and shoved it in again, forcing him to swallow the remaining words. “No more arguments. Just sit still and entertain the felines, hm?” the model said, his grin growing wider at the hilarious sight of his fuming boyfriend glaring at him, his cheeks puffed up with food.

… Is he treating me like a goat now?!

To Dan Heng, nothing felt better than lying on the couch for a quiet reading session after having a refreshing iced coffee. 

In a cat bed placed in a quiet corner of the living room, Rice and Sesame were already deep in slumber. With their bodies snuggled close to each other and tails tightly intertwined, even if disaster were to strike right now, it was definitely impossible to wake the two exhausted cats up. A fluffy blanket embellished with goofy-looking green dragons and black dragons were laid over them, keeping them warm from the winter chill seeping through the window.

Flipping through the pages with a relaxed sigh, Dan Heng continued to read in silence, his index finger mindlessly drumming against the cover of the book. It had been some time since he had had such an idle moment to pick up the books he never found the right time to finish, especially when the cats weren’t here to disturb him. Even with every book wrapped in a transparent cover, it did little to stop them from nibbling at the edges. There were times when he swore they had the intention to end his life with how often they ran across his abdomen like it was a speed bump.

And now, with the two beasts deeply asleep, he could finally catch his breath without worrying about dying from broken ribs.

Or so he thought.

“Scoot over.”

That was the only warning he got before a pained yelp escaped his lips when Blade climbed onto the couch as well to lie on top of him, his arms instinctively wrapped around his boyfriend before he could ever push the model away. Burying his face in the crook of Dan Heng’s neck, he couldn’t help but sneak a soft kiss on it, grumbling, “Tired. Stay still and be a good body pillow for me.”

Does this fool know how heavy he is?!

“You’re going to kill me… Get up a bit,” Dan Heng complained, his tone breathy from the crushing weight on him. He patted Blade’s back as a subtle hint for him to move before he died from suffocation, yet the only response the model gave was merely a grunt of refusal. Helplessly, he could only shift in place, leaning his head against the armrest, trying to make both of them comfortable on the couch that clearly had room for the model to lie beside him rather than on top of him.

“I swear, you’re being difficult on purpose, aren’t you? You could’ve taken a nap on the other couch, it’s much less cramped,” Dan Heng protested, resting the hand holding the book on his back while the other ran through the loose strands of his ponytail, as if comforting a petulant child on a bad day. 

Blade huffed in amusement as he sneaked another kiss — this time right beneath his ear. Being held in such close proximity, he didn’t miss the way the other drew in a sharp breath, followed by a slight shiver against his skin. “Why should I take a nap on the other couch when you’re here, being a good body pillow for me to hold onto?” he teased, his smirk growing wider when he gently latched his teeth onto the side of his boyfriend’s neck — not hard enough to leave a mark, but enough to make him feel it.

Feeling the model already moving to mark his neck, Dan Heng sighed, reluctantly accepting the inevitability of such a turn of events. With a firm snap of the book, he set it down on the coffee table before threading his fingers through the long locks of his hair, followed by a gentle massage on his scalp. 

“I’m supposed to start working on the emails once I finish this book. I’m blaming you if I can’t reply to all of them by tonight.”

“Those emails and messages can wait, idiot. Why bother rushing when it’s not like they can reply immediately on the weekend?” Blade chided softly, his tone lazy from the coziness of being cradled in the other’s arms, almost as if they had been couples to begin with. His offhand remark, however, hit Dan Heng with sudden realisation and his hands froze, earning a confused hum from the model.

“Right, it's the weekend. No wonder they haven’t replied to my email yet,” he blurted out. Puzzled by the random comments, Blade couldn’t help but raise a question, curiosity lacing in his voice, “Who’re you replying to? Jing Yuan?” Dan Heng shook his head, before resuming running his fingers through the model’s hair as he continued, “No. This isn’t about him.”

“I’m confirming the final interview with the company I found earlier.”

Blade’s eyes went wide, as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over him. His heart sank into the depth of the abyss with those cold, blunt words dawning on him. His mind went completely blank, with only fragments from the day flashing before his eyes before dissipating again. That same feeling of genuine panic coursed through him like surging waves, driven by the thought of having Dan Heng slipping away from him. Again.

Fuck.

He parted his lips, the words to tell him not to leave him almost teetering over the tip of his tongue. His hands behind the other’s back involuntarily curled up into fists, fingernails biting into his skin so hard that crescent-shaped marks would no doubt be left behind. And yet, he could only swallow down the lump growing in his throat, before he whispered, barely audible.

“... Is that so?”

Dan Heng, clueless as always, nodded in affirmation. “Mhm. If I manage to get the offer, I’ll have to figure out how to bring Rice along without him throwing a tantrum. He isn’t a fan of long-distance travel, let alone a three-hour flight. It’s a bit troublesome to start over again, but I guess that’s for the best,” he murmured, his hand caressing on the model’s hair absentmindedly, though the man in his arms had long lost the mood to relish such moments. 

Dejected, Blade could do nothing but tighten his hold around him — a weak attempt to release his pent-up frustration. By the end of the day, he was the one at fault. He had no one else to blame but himself. And now, with the little time left in the remaining two weeks ticking away, he knew there was no longer any excuse for him to stop himself from confronting. 

But then again, will he change his mind?

Inadvertently, he caught sight of that ring hanging around the other’s neck through the small gap in the collar. He could almost hear the laughter echoing in his mind, that piece of jewellery taunting him for his cowardice resurfacing at a time like this. 

For the first time in years, he felt so helpless.

“If that’s all, I’m heading back to rest now. Goodnight.”

“... Goodnight, idiot.”

Lying flat on the armrest of the couch, Rice glanced at its owner rising from the dining chair while stretching his arms, exhaustion evident on his face. It hadn’t seen him take a break even after it finished its night feast with Sesame. Humans were the weirdest creatures in the world — they could either go out to hunt for hours until the sun set and they had yet to come back, or stay at home with their eyes glued to those electronic devices for hours without getting a wink of sleep. 

And it still stood by its point. 

“Don’t make me break into your room to wake your sleepy ass up tomorrow if you can’t get up.”

The long-haired man teased, that familiar smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, as if nothing had happened hours ago. Rice might be dumb, but it wasn’t quite as dumb as it looked. It caught a faint scent from him, just like the day it picked up when he had extended his finger towards it for the first time. It wasn’t the delectable scent of chicken, or the evil sting of pepper.

That long-haired man… was sad. 

“Grrrl…”

Sesame purred, jumping onto the couch with its tail brushing against its face before walking away. Rice didn’t need to be told twice at such an open invitation. Getting back on all fours, it made its way to the other cat, who had already settled into its usual spot on the other side of the couch, ready to get its nap for the umpteenth time. With a soft meow, it lay on its side, their bodies cuddling against each other.

It could barely register the long-haired human rising from his seat before heading back to his room. It didn’t bother to think whether he had gone into the one he slept in or the one filled with binders where they hid their toys — which the latter seemed more likely, judging from its observations over the past two weeks. 

Back when it still lived in that cramped place with its owner, its only companion was the green dragon plushie it received as a gift from him when it was a kitten. As much as it cherished the plushie, it was still of no use if it couldn’t share its meal or toys with the cat, let alone licking its balls clean. It would never admit aloud, but it had never hated its owner for once, even when he might forget to feed it. It loved him. 

And now, it had Sesame in its life. Perhaps it might have to kick its owner off the ranking.

The clock struck twelve. Their daily routine had ended. Just a normal day.