(Arc 1 : The raven and the dragon)

 [This chapter takes place after Hao Ming talks to Kaelan on the first day of preparations for the Turquoise Event. (chapter 9) ]

"Aaah! What am I doing?" Hao Ming sighed.

Hao Ming had just returned to his car after his discussion with Kaelan. He felt that something was wrong with him. The man who was usually so impassive had just raised his voice in front of someone he hardly knew.

He started his car and started drove home. On the way, he couldn't stop thinking about his exchange with the painter. Had he done the right thing by talking to him like that? How was he going to confront him tomorrow and the rest of the week? What did Kaelan think of him?

Hao Ming was so lost in thought that he had to brake suddenly at a red light, narrowly missing it.

He then stopped at the side of the road for a few moments to regain his composure and concentration.

"It's not like me to react like that. He was in the wrong because he "played a trick'" on me. If you can call it that. Was I too naive?"

The young man ran a hand through his hair as he sighed once more. Later, a little more relaxed, he was able to get back on the road.

Once home, he took a shower. Feeling a little hungry, he made himself a scrambled egg and bacon sandwich, then spent some time working on a new computer program.

Around 12:45 a.m., Hao Ming finally decided to go to bed. It didn't take him long to fall into a deep sleep.

_____

"Where am I?"

Hao Ming was in a wide open space. The sky was blue, large clouds floated gently around him, and the ground was smooth and white.

He began to walk in a straight line, observing the dreamlike landscape before him. After a few moments, he saw a large white kiosk surrounded by water. Intrigued, he hurried forward. Garlands of white flowers hung on the roof. In the center was a large canvas on an easel.

Intrigued, Hao Ming slowly approached the painting. The piece depicted a magnificent blue sky and a sea of magnificent clouds. Large air bubbles were also visible. The young man gently touched it. The surface of the canvas rippled like a drop of water and bubbles came out of it.

Hao Ming suddenly stepped back, keeping his gaze on the painting. Just as the painting seemed to return to normal, the young man noticed that a bright white dot had appeared. He stepped forward again. The dot grew larger and larger, resembling something that was gradually approaching him. It was a bird. But the closer it got, the bigger it seemed to be, and the more Hao Ming realized that the animal was heading to him. He stepped back quickly as the surface of the painting began to undulate again.

The bird quickly flew out of the painting and performed several acrobatics around the kiosk and the young man. The animal then landed directly between Hao Ming and the painting. To the young man's surprise, its took on a half-human appearance: it has Kaelan's appearance, but with large white wings.

The winged Kaelan strode curiously toward Hao Ming, who seemed equally intrigued.

After making two complete circles around him, the creature brought its face close to the young man. Then, he began to caress his chest, running its hands under his clothes. The gentle touch sent shivers of embarrassment and pleasure down Hao Ming's spine.

Intrigued by the wings as well, the young man softly ran his fingers through the feathers of the winged Kaelan who shivered and tensed slightly as if a sensitive area had just been touched. The creature's face flushed with embarrassment, but Hao Ming continued, finding its expression fascinating and attractive.

The two looked at each other intensely and after a few seconds they ended up kissing passionately as their hands continued to explore each other's bodies. The flowers in the garlands were then randomly tinted with shimmering colors.

Soon after, the winged Kaelan separated from Hao Ming and took his hand to lead him somewhere.

As the young man obediently followed him out of the kiosk, a strong gust of wind knocked Hao Ming off his feet, causing him to lose his balance and fall into the water.

____

Hao Ming jumped awake and sat upright on his bed. Still out of it, he turned his head towards the window and realized that it was morning. With a few fragments of his dream still fresh in his mind, he thoughtfully bit his lower lip. He didn't even dare to lift his blanket.

"I can't believe I dreamt about him... What's wrong with me?"

An hour later, the young man had finished dressing and was washing the sheets on his bed. Then he made himself a cup of coffee and thought about his dream and about Kaelan.

"It was just a dream, it didn't mean anything. It was just the result of all my interactions with Monroe." He explained to himself.

____

In the days that followed, Hao Ming decided to stay away from Kaelan and immerse himself in his work. He didn't even want to hear his name or his voice.

He soon realized that his plan was flawed, as he sometimes found himself watching Kaelan practice for his Saturday performance.

In reality, Hao Ming was against talking to him. He was even willing to learn more about him. But he also wanted to show him what it felt like to disturbing other people's emotions...