"Huff....", Felix sighed.
For once, Xia Fei felt like he could breathe again. The bustling streets of Bridon stretched out before him, filled with colorful storefronts, busy cafés, and the lively hum of people going about their day. It was a refreshing change from the cold, pristine walls of Vein's penthouse.
He had been allowed to go out, but he conveniently left out the minor detail of where he was going. No need to trigger Vein's overprotective tendencies. After all, he was just meeting old friends, who decided to visit Bridon after a while.
"Man, this place is still nice," Cheng Xiaoshi said, whistling as he spun around to take it all in. He clapped a hand on Xia Fei's shoulder. "I was starting to think you were never going to see daylight again."
Xia Fei smirked. "Yeah, well, I figured it was time to remind myself that life exists outside of... you know."
Lu Guang, walking beside them with his usual composed air, gave Xia Fei a skeptical glance. "Does he know you're here?"
Xia Fei shrugged. "He knows I'm out. Just... not exactly where."
Cheng Xiaoshi laughed, nudging him. "So basically, you're on borrowed time before he hunts you down."
Xia Fei rolled his eyes. "Let's just enjoy today before you start jinxing me, alright?"
The three of them wandered through the shopping district, stopping at various stores and kiosks. Cheng Xiaoshi, ever the curious one, dragged them from shop to shop, holding up the most ridiculous items he could find.
"Hey, check this out!" Cheng Xiaoshi grinned, waving a neon green hat with giant kawaii bunny ears in front of Xia Fei's face. (Personally, I would love to see Felix in them lmaoo)
Xia Fei looked at it and snorted a chuckle.
"Think Vein would let you wear this?", Xiaoshi asked sarcastically.
Xia Fei snorted. "He'd probably burn it on sight."
Lu Guang let's out a sigh. "Then why even consider it?"
"Because I like to annoy him," Xia Fei said with a mischievous grin, tossing the hat into his basket. "Besides, I'm paying with his money, so it's a win-win for me."
Cheng Xiaoshi whistled. "Man, must be these rich sugar daddy privileges..."
Xia Fei rolls eyes. "You have no idea."
They grabbed coffee and pastries from a nearby café and found a table outside, the perfect spot to watch the world go by. Cheng Xiaoshi leaned in, eyeing Xia Fei with a teasing glint. "So, are you finally free from Vein's grip, or what? He didn't pick you up yet."
Xia Fei sighed, stirring his coffee. "Define 'free.' He's... eased up a little, but I think that's just because he knows I'll always come back eventually."
Lu Guang raised an eyebrow. "Or because he's tracking your every move."
Xia Fei huffed in disappointment. "You guys literally have no faith in me..."
Cheng Xiaoshi grinned. "Nope, not when you're dating a control freak."
Xia Fei almost choked on his drink. "Excuse me?! We are not dating."
Cheng Xiaoshi shrugged. "Whatever you say, dude."
Xia Fei pointed a warning finger at him. "Don't make me start digging into your love life." He smirked knowingly. "You and Lu Guang have been acting... suspiciously close lately."
Cheng Xiaoshi's face turned red instantly. "W-What?! No way!"
Lu Guang, to his credit, maintained a calm expression, but the slight flush on his ears betrayed him. "It's none of your business, Xia Fei."
Xia Fei grinned like a cat who found the cream. "Oh, it is something then. Hehe, Spill it, you two!"
Cheng Xiaoshi groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Okay, fine! If you must know... we're together, alright?"
Xia Fei leaned back, laughing. "Took you guys long enough. Congratulations, you two lovebirds."
Cheng Xiaoshi groaned louder. "Cmon dude.. Don't call us that!"
Lu Guang sighed but allowed himself a small smile. "We figured things out."
Xia Fei raised his cup. "To figuring things out, then."
---
Later that evening, the trio found themselves at a cozy bar tucked away in a quieter part of the city. Drinks were poured, and Xia Fei found himself relaxing in a way he hadn't in ages. The weight of Vein's constant watchfulness lifted-if only temporarily.
"So," Cheng Xiaoshi said, swirling his drink. "Seriously though, how do you deal with him? He's... intense."
Xia Fei sighed, rubbing his temples. "You have no idea. The man tracks everything I do, plans out every detail of my life like it's some kind of military operation. It makes me wondering if he is working for the FBI or something.."
Lu Guang looked thoughtful. "And yet, you're still with him."
Xia Fei groaned. "Because if I'm not, he'll probably set the entire city on fire looking for me."
Cheng Xiaoshi burst out laughing. "You sound like you're stuck in some weird crime drama. That's totally something the possessive antagonist would do!"
Xia Fei chuckled, raising his glass. "Welcome to my life."
They kept drinking, the night blurring into laughter, playful teasing, and heartfelt moments. Xia Fei felt light, free-until the alcohol caught up with him. His head swam, the edges of his vision softening. "Hey... guys... I think I drank too much..."
Before he could make sense of the dizziness, everything faded to black.
---
Xia Fei woke up to the familiar, scent of Vein's penthouse. His head throbbed, and as his eyes adjusted to the dim lighting, he groaned.
"Not again..."
He sat up, finding himself changed into comfortable clothes-Vein's doing, no doubt. He glanced around, and sure enough, Vein sat calmly by the window, watching him with that unnerving, unreadable expression.
Xia Fei groaned louder. "Seriously? How the hell did you find me this time?"
Vein held up Xia Fei's watch, the small GPS chip inside glinting in the low light. "You were careless."
Xia Fei flopped back onto the bed, covering his face with his hands. "You can't just... keep bringing me back like this."
Vein's voice was soft but firm. "And yet, you always end up here."
Xia Fei peeked through his fingers. "You realize how creepy that sounds, right?"
Vein's lips quirked slightly. "You're safe."
Xia Fei exhaled heavily, the familiar weight of Vein's control settling back over him. "You seriously need to get a hobby that doesn't involve tracking me 24/7."
Vein tilted his head. "You are my priority."
Xia Fei threw a pillow at him. "Get a life, Vein."
Vein catched the pillow with his left hand. "Oh? First I am carrying you back here after you are drunk and now this is what I get for being so kind? Does that mean you want to be punished for your disobedience?"
Xia Fei immediately apologized and showed his gratitude towards Vein.
As he drifted back into sleep, Xia Fei couldn't help but think: no matter how much freedom he fought for, Vein was always one step ahead.