Afternoon Bombshells

Ren sat cross-legged on the couch, absentmindedly nibbling on a cracker as a colorful, animated show played on the TV screen.

His silver hair cascaded over one shoulder, lazily tied in a low ponytail, while golden eyes flickered between the characters on the screen and the crumbs gathering on his blanket.

He was trying to focus on the cheerful banter of the animated protagonists, but it was not working.

Without Fu Xian's usual commentary or teasing interruptions, the apartment felt too quiet, almost eerie.

The small beast had run off early in the morning, chirping something about an important meeting with his boyfriend.

And then there was Kade.

Kade had been gone since dawn, saying he had an errand to run. Ren found it strange that he had not received even one call or message throughout the day.

"This feels so empty," he mumbled, throwing a glance at his communicator placed on the table as if willing it to light up with Kade's name.