Stranger(1)

'Is it okay to reveal that Fen Yichen is gay?'

There's a big difference between confirming it and letting them speculate about their relationship. If Mingze remembers correctly, his childhood friend is straight as a ruler, he is only doing this out of rebelion.

"You can ask him yourself." 

Mingze smiled politely before picking up his phone. This action showed that he doesn't want to speak anymore. The employee understood and left. 

***

It's been a week since Mingze removed the things on his feet. He felt refreshed to be able to move around on his own. It was fine being helped by Fen Yichen, but it was a bit awkward to go to the bathroom to take care of his business.

Night time, Mama Xie asked Mingze to deliver his father's food. Papa Xie was working late at night in the construction. Their team fix roads and they could only do it when traffic isn't as bad as the morning. Usually he would work until early morning, so having something to eat in between is crucial. 

"Take your pepper spray."

"Don't worry too much mom. I'm a man, nothing would happen."

What could even happen to him? Not like some creep would hit him up, he's not some model or idol. Xie Mingze was completely unaware how alluring he looks to other people. He had zero sense of danger because nothing happened to him yet. 

By the time he arrived at the construction site, he waited for a while before he spotted his father. Mingze waved his hands enthusiastically, then he passed the bento his mother prepared to his father.

"Don't forget your food. Mother was worried you'll starve to death while working."

"Your mother is such a worry-wart. There's a convenience store near hear."

"Maybe, because she knows you would rather save your money than buy yourself some food. What's the use of the store if you won't buy anything?"

Papa Xie ruffled his hair. 

"Okay, enough chatter. Go home, while the bus is still running. If you want some snacks here is money. Don't tell your mother though, she would scold me telling me I'm spoiling you."

"Aren't I your favorite child?" Xie Mingze asked with a big smile on his face.

"Mingze you're an only child. If you're not my favorite then who would be?"

His father said with a matter of fact tone on his voice. Bah, enough of this banter. He really needs to go home or Mama Xie would worry. The battery on his phone was 12% just his luck.

"Good luck with your work I need to go home to keep mom company."

"Okay, take care."

While walking in the dark road, he felt like something is behind him. Mingze felt scared, what if there's ghost. The dogs started barking at air. According to old people, dogs could see something humans can't. This made him felt more scared as he slowly walked the streets back to the bus stop. 

Originally, he planned to just walk back. He could return back home after a 15 minute walk. It was cold because the sun is not out yet. Now, he is too scared to even walk a few more steps. He wished the bus could come faster. 

His friend Yize started chatting with him. 

YIze: It's been a long time since you opened your account, there's a new event going on.

The account he is talking about, is the mmorpg game Mingze had been playing since highschool. Aurora. It's a popular game, he had been so busy with university stuff he hadn't been able to do his dailies. Forget his dailies, he can't even login.

Mingze: I haven't been able to download the new patch, I'll update it first then I'll help you with it. 

Mingze had been playing as a female support in game, while Yize plays as a paladin damage dealer in game. He helped Mingze while he was just a newbie and they both like the same things so they clicked. 

Yize: It's a couple event. We should get married in game first.

Mingze: Lmfao. Aren't you glad I'm playing a female character? It wasn't like you have any friends in game to marry. 

"Excuse me, you also waiting for the bus?"

A man wearing a suit talked with Mingze, it was just a simple question so he answered politely. Plus the man did look older than him.

"Yes, I've been waiting for quite a while here."

"Is that so? I heard the schedule had been moved a bit."The man continued the conversation. It felt a bit awkward talking with some rando while waiting for the bus. Still, Mingze acted polite.

"Eh? Then I wonder how long it would be."

"I'm a manager, how about you. You look a bit young, do you have a girlfriend?"

It wasn't like he could just ignore him in the middle of conversation, despite him giving off the weird vibe. Mingze thought he was just judging the man.

"I don't have a girlfriend."

"Oh why? You look so beautiful, even a boy would fall for you."

Mingze felt a shiver ran down his spine when the man inched closer to him, attempting to grab his hands. This was officially freaking him out. 

"Come on I'll take you home." 

"No thanks, I'll be taking the bus."

"Let's go, we could go to a hotel if you're tired. Then I'll take you home."

This is the first time it happened to him, he felt scared. But he doesn't show it on his face. The thing about Mingze is his weird personality, he tends to be a mix of feisty, anger, but easily scared type of human.

Yize: Hey hurry up I'm waiting.

Mingze: Wait for me.

"Oh you're staying with someone." The man was even peeking at his screen. He can't let it be known that he is only staying with his mom. 

He ignored the man and continued chatting with Yize.

Mingze: I'll be there in a bit, call everyone.

There was no everyone. He was Yize's only friend in game, he knew it well so after sending it he closed his phone. The man should think he is living with a lot of people. Gritting his teeth, he did not bother waiting for the bus, he called a taxi with his phone. It doesn't matter how expensive it was, he just wants to leave that place.