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Yan Zhou got up early and, after carefully inspecting every corner of his flat to ensure there was nothing unfamiliar, finally felt a measure of relief.

Still half-asleep, he brushed his teeth, washed his face, and dressed quickly before grabbing his phone and heading out.

Though autumn had arrived, Yan Zhou was dressed lightly: a white T-shirt under a checked shirt, pale jeans, and white canvas shoes — a simple look, but on his tall frame, it had a striking, youthful charm. His hair was soft and messy, and a few scabs from recent fights marred his face, yet they did little to diminish his looks.

"Morning, Zhou!"

The owner of the milk tea shop, a cheerful girl who had always looked out for him, greeted him warmly as he entered. "Go wash these up for me, will you? You’ve been fighting again, haven't you? Oh, be careful, will you? That face of yours is our store’s selling point — we rely on you to attract the girls!"

"Mm, got it," Yan Zhou replied lazily, stuffing his phone into his pocket as he tied on his apron and got to work.

Yan Zhou was efficient and capable when he put his mind to it — quick, smart, and meticulous — though he had a bad habit of only showing up for shifts when he was short on money. Thankfully, his job was part-time and flexible.

He started at ten in the morning and worked until four in the afternoon. After clocking out and saying goodbye to the owner, Yan Zhou wandered down the street, feeling increasingly uneasy.

Eventually, he pulled out his phone and made a call.

"Hello, Nie Guo? Fancy a drink tonight? At my place."

"Tonight? Oh, sorry, boss," came the apologetic voice from the other end, "My grandma’s sick, and since it’s the weekend, my mum dragged me over to visit her. I won’t be free for a couple of days."

"Alright, take care then," Yan Zhou replied shortly.

"Thanks, boss. Take care!"

After hanging up, Yan Zhou hesitated for a moment before making another call. It was answered almost immediately.

"Boss! What’s up? Something wrong?" The voice was teasing but tinged with concern.

"Nothing. Just wanted to have a drink. You free tonight? Come over to my place."

"Huh?!"

There was a stunned silence before the man burst into a flurry of words.

"Boss, are you okay? You never let anyone over to your place. Are you sure you’re alright? You’re not in trouble, are you? Drinking won’t solve anything, you know—"

Irritated, Yan Zhou dug a finger into his ear.

"Enough. Are you coming or not?"

"Of course I’m coming! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event! I’ve known you for years and never set foot in your place. I’m honoured! Tonight, I’ll get a proper tour."

"I’ll wait for you at the bus stop at Ten-Mile Road."

"Got it, boss! On my way!"

Yan Zhou tucked away his phone and walked to the agreed spot. Sure enough, he didn’t have to wait long.

"Boss! I’m here!"

Across the road, Xia Chen was waving his arms wildly, hopping up and down and shouting at the top of his lungs. Yan Zhou barely resisted the urge to punch him square in the face.

He told him to wait quietly, and yet here he was, making a scene.

When Xia Chen reached him, he slapped Yan Zhou's shoulder cheerily.

"Hey, I was yelling for ages! Didn’t you hear me?"

Yan Zhou turned and strode off without a word.

"Embarrassing," he muttered.

"Embarrassing? What's embarrassing? Boss, you’re getting so sensitive lately. Hahaha—"

Xia Chen's loud laughter drew stares from passing strangers. Yan Zhou quickened his pace, keeping a healthy distance as if he didn’t know him.

"Boss, wait up!"

Xia Chen caught up, and the two stopped at a supermarket to pick up a dozen beers and some snacks before heading home.

The entire walk, Xia Chen was a chatterbox, bombarding Yan Zhou with questions about his home and marvelling at the idea of being the first ever to visit.

"I’m so lucky! I’m the first guest! I can brag about this forever!"

Yan Zhou remained silent the whole way, only speaking once they reached his door.

"Shut up. Hold these. I’ll get the key."

He shoved the bags into Xia Chen's arms and fished for his keys.

As he slid the key into the lock, a heavy unease gnawed at him. It should have been easy — a simple turn, and he’d be inside — yet his hand trembled faintly.

When had he become so timid?

Before he could steel himself, Xia Chen lost patience, grabbed his hand, and twisted the key with a decisive click.

"Boss, you’re acting weird today. On the way here, too, you were totally spaced out."

Yan Zhou swallowed down the knot of anxiety and forced a shrug.

"Nothing. Come in."

"Alright!"

Xia Chen bounced inside, dropping the bags and eagerly touring the place, whistling and exclaiming as he went.

"Wow, boss! I was expecting a pigsty, but this is seriously clean! I’m impressed!"

He stuck his head into the kitchen next, chattering away.

Yan Zhou, however, wasn’t listening.

His eyes locked onto the coffee table.

There it was — just as he feared.

Something sat neatly atop it: a grey knitted scarf, perfectly folded. A small red heart-shaped card sat on top, obscene in its cheerful brightness.

"Boss, your kitchen’s awesome!"

Xia Chen’s voice jolted him back. He followed Yan Zhou’s gaze and spotted the scarf.

"Hey, what’s this doing here?"

He reached out, but Yan Zhou darted forward and snatched up the card, stuffing it into his pocket.

"I took it out this morning and forgot to put it away," he lied smoothly, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere. "Are you here to sightsee or drink?"

"Hehe, can’t help being curious!"

Xia Chen chuckled as he cracked open beers and tore into the snacks.

"Come on, boss! Let’s drink till we drop!"

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