12

"Mama, I… I am very busy with my exams. Please, I can't come!"

"Xiao Yan, dear, you must understand. He's not eating properly. It's just for one day; it would mean a lot…"

"Mama, please… I'm on the verge of failing this subject. I beg you, don't force me to come. I can't afford to fall behind."

"Xiao Yan, please try to understand. He's never celebrated his birthday without you. He's been locked in his room since last night."

"I didn't ask him to lock himself in. Mama, why are you doing this to me? You know how important these exams are."

"Listen, Xiao Yan. If you don't come, then forget about studying overseas. You'll be coming home for good."

"Dad… What? No, that's not fair. Okay, I'll come!"

"I'm sorry for threatening you, son. I can't ignore their request, especially with the risk of losing our business."

"It's okay, Dad. I understand. I'll come."

"You're a good son, Xiao Yan. We'll pick you up tomorrow."

"Okay!"

----------------------------------

"Are you Xiao Yan?"

"Yes, I am."

"Please come with us. We need you to identify your parents' bodies."

"W-What? No, this can't be happening?"

"Mr. and Mrs. Xiao were in an accident!"

"That's impossible! They just told me they were on their way to the airport."

"I'm very sorry for your loss. It appears that the accident was intentional."

"…"

---------------------------------------------------------

Xiao Yan jolted awake from his nightmare, his heart pounding violently. He reached up to touch his face, finding it damp with tears. The vivid imagery of his dream clung to him, mingling with the raw pain he felt. He sat up in bed, trying to dispel the unsettling feeling that enveloped him.

"Looks like I won't be sleeping tonight…"

He glanced at the clock on his nightstand; it was 3 a.m. The room was awash in the cold, pale light of the moon seeping through the curtains. The stillness of the night was broken only by the occasional rustling of leaves outside. He sighed deeply, knowing that sleep was a distant hope.

Driven by a need to distract himself, he decided to engage in a comforting activity. He went to the bathroom and splashed cold water on his face, attempting to clear away the remnants of his nightmare. Afterward, he made his way to the kitchen.

He started baking a cake.

For Xiao Yan, cooking was more than a mere task; it was a sanctuary. The rhythmic process of mixing ingredients, the warmth of the oven, and the rich aroma of baking were soothing. They transported him back to his childhood days, where he would assist his mama in the kitchen. Watching her prepare mouthwatering dishes and desserts had always been a source of joy. The memories were tinged with a bittersweet nostalgia now that she was no longer with him.

Since his parents' deaths, cooking had become his refuge. Each time he faced a nightmare or felt overwhelmed, the act of baking provided a sense of peace and connection to his past. It was a way to honour his memories and find solace in the midst of grief.

As he mixed the batter and poured it into the cake pan, he felt a wave of calm wash over him. The process, though simple, was a balm to his restless soul. He set the cake in the oven and waited, using the time to reflect on recent events and the challenges he faced.

…

…

At 7 a.m., Lin Mu woke up with a burst of energy. His first thought was to sneak into his Yan Ge's room and observe him as he slept. He knew his Yan Ge wouldn't be awake before 8, and he was eager to see what his Yan Ge's room looked like. Would it be light or dark? Fancy or luxurious? The anticipation was almost tangible.

Lin Mu quickly freshened up, pulling on a shirt and shorts before hurrying out of his room. His tiny feet padded softly down the hallway as he made his way towards his Yan Ge's room. But as he approached the stairs, he heard his Yan Ge's voice from downstairs, shattering his hopes of seeing him still in bed.

He descended the stairs and entered the kitchen.

Xiao Yan was on the phone with Yu Yang, his voice a low murmur discussing business matters. He was so absorbed in the conversation that he didn't notice Lin Mu entering the room.

Lin Mu watched Xiao Yan with a mix of admiration and frustration. He wanted to see his Yan Ge relaxed, not consumed by work. With a burst of enthusiasm, Lin Mu popped his head in front of Xiao Yan, startling him.

"Brat, you scared me," Xiao Yan said, placing his hand over his heart as if to steady himself.

Lin Mu whined. "Why are you serious so early in the morning?"

Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow, his irritation softened by a faint smile. "Why are you sulking so early? It's too early for such antics."

"I wanted to see Yan Ge wake up," Lin Mu said, pouting with wide, earnest eyes.

Xiao Yan looked at Lin Mu, puzzled. It seemed odd to sulk over something as trivial as wanting to watch someone wake up. But seeing the genuine expression on Lin Mu's face, he felt a pang of affection.

"Ugh, it's impossible to understand you," Xiao Yan said, shaking his head but unable to suppress a smile.

Lin Mu's eyes lit up when he spotted the two mugs of hot chocolate on the counter. His excitement was palpable.

"Hot chocolate, Yan Ge… Can I please have some?" Lin Mu asked, his voice filled with anticipation as he gazed at the mugs.

Xiao Yan's irritation faded away as he saw Lin Mu's eager expression. "Can't you see there are two mugs? Who else do you think I made this for if not you?"

Lin Mu's face beamed as he took one of the mugs. He savored the rich, creamy hot chocolate, the warmth spreading through him. He followed Xiao Yan as he checked his emails, still smiling contentedly.

Xiao Yan, absorbed in his work, couldn't ignore the way Lin Mu was looking at him. The boy's admiration was almost overwhelming, and Xiao Yan felt a surge of pride.

"This is so delicious," Lin Mu said, licking his lips with a satisfied sigh.

Xiao Yan's gaze lingered on Lin Mu's enjoyment of the drink. He found himself momentarily distracted by the way Lin Mu relished the hot chocolate. He felt an unexpected, intense desire to taste those lips himself. The thought startled him, and he quickly turned his attention back to his work.

Lin Mu, lost in the pleasure of his drink, was oblivious to Xiao Yan's internal conflict. He continued to moan with delight, savoring every sip.

After finishing his drink, Lin Mu set his mug down and turned to Xiao Yan with a serious expression. "Yan Ge, can I visit my parents?"

Xiao Yan looked up, surprised by the sudden shift in mood. "You seem well now. You can go and spend some time with them."

Lin Mu's heart sank at Xiao Yan's response. He had only wanted to visit them briefly, not to be away for an extended period. It felt as though he was being dismissed, and the feeling of being unwanted was painful.

He managed a smile through his tears, trying to keep his emotions in check. "Thank you, Yan Ge. I'll go see them."

Xiao Yan, lost in his own thoughts, didn't notice the hurt in Lin Mu's eyes. He was preoccupied with his own sense of isolation and the complexities of his responsibilities. As Lin Mu left the kitchen, Xiao Yan felt a pang of guilt but quickly buried it under the weight of his own concerns.

…

Lin Mu walked out of the kitchen, clutching his mug tightly. He was overwhelmed by a mix of emotions—gratitude for Xiao Yan's permission to visit his parents and sadness at the sense of being unwanted. The house seemed eerily quiet, and the silence felt heavy.