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Chapter Text

It was just another Tuesday; nothing special. Just another day at the beginning of April. It was cold out with a light breeze brushing through the streets. Qiao Ling walked through the door of a small photography studio; she was wearing a deep red sweater that matched with her short plaid skirt. Black thermal leggings and leather boots of a matching color.

The alarm played to it’s usual ringtone; “A guest has arrived.”
“Guess who it is!” Qiao Ling cheered, swinging open the glass door, before walking up to Lu Guang who was putting away the dishes that he had just finished cleaning.

“Hey favorite landlady,” The dark haired boy sitting down in the stool by the counter sighed.

“Morning,” Lu Guang mumbled to the girl, as he continued to clear up the dishes.

“So do you have another job for us?” Cheng Xiaoshi smirked as his eyes bubbled up just like a puppy about to be fed a bone.

“Well no, But listen there's this new shop that opened up! Why don’t we all go and try it out; It’ll be fun! And plus I heard from Xu Shanshan that the drinks are delicious!”

Lu Guang could already tell there was no convincing the two to let him stay here at the studio alone, mainly after the events with the twins that occurred only a few months prior.

“Well what are we waiting for? Let’s go fill my stomach!’ Cheng Xiaoshi jumped up from his seat practically out the door before Lu Guang even had time to finish drying up the couple of cups that were in the dish drainer.

-

The three of them walked around the block before making it to the new cafe, the outside made it look smaller compared to how big the building really was. It had a big open window with a flower bed attached; filled with all kinds of different plant species ranging from daisies and different colored carnations. The glass door had the name of the shop imprinted on it with bubbly cyan letters.

Inside had great lighting as well as lots of seating, while it was able to remain pretty open. The chairs and booths had light blue seat covers, while the wooden tables looked like they were doused in a clear proxy.

The menu had all sorts of drinks, mostly topical or fruity flavors, though it also had sveral kinds of sweets like cookies and slices of cakes. The air was also filled with the smell of such freshly-baked treats.

“I think I wanna try the pineapple smoothie, how about you, Lu Guang?” Cheng Xioashi looked back at the white haired boy who was also staring up at the menu; already knowing what he wanted.

“You don’t even like pineapple; idiot.” Lu Guang sighed at the other boy. “Just get a drink you already know and like; for example like the half black cherry and pink lemonade.”

After the sentence left Lu Gaung’s lips he had realized he had messed up.

“Lu Guang? I’ve never tried that combination before; are you sure you're feeling alright? And plus didn’t Qiao Ling say this place only opened a few weeks ago?”

“Yeah I’m fine.” The older boy simply sighed and walked past Cheng Xiaoshi, placing in his order.

-

The trio took a seat in one of the booths closer to the windows in the back waiting for their drinks to finish being prepared.

“So what did you guys get? Cause I just got a simple Vanilla-bean boba.” Qiao Ling lightly chuckled.

“I ended up getting a half pink lemonade and half black cherry boba.”

“Wow, how in the world did you even come up with that combination.” Qiao Ling laughed as she was amused with how Cheng Xioashi’s weird combinations continued to grow.

Lu Guang on the other hand seemed a bit off in his own world; with a slight hint of worry reflected into his eyes. His eyes gently roamed Cheng Xiaoshi’s face, but only for a moment. Any longer than that would draw his attention.

“Well actually Lu here told me I would like it.” Cheng Xiaoshi chuckled, slighting nudging the other boy with his shoulder with an attempt to regain his attention.

The girl who was previously at the counter brought over their drinks on a simple black tray; “Alright here you guys are.” A small smile spread across her face as she directed her words more toward Lu Guang. Placing the drinks on the table before quickly walking back to her place behind the counter, as another client walked in.

“Wow she’s totally into you Lu Guang.” Qiao Ling chuckled at her own words.

“Yeah why not go and try to talk to her!” Cheng Xiaoshi exaggerated on, as a small smirk slid across his face.

“I’d rather not.” Lu Guang mumbled remembering the last time he was here. He had gone with just Cheng Xiaoshi and that same girl had accidentally spilt a whole drink on him.

“Wait, this is actually so good! Lu Guang how’d you know I’d like this?!”Chneg Xiaoshi let out an exasperated laugh, lighting up his face just as Lu Guang always remembered.

Any memory that the older boy had of the other one; he always had this warm smile plastered across his face making Lu Gusng wonder if it was possible that he could ever become tired of smiling.

Later that day Qiao Ling came back into the studio with several photos as she explained she ended up finding another job for the two.

“Alright, the client's husband died roughly two years ago, but the police have never been able to solve his cause of death. She wants us to find what happened, so he can finally rest in peace.”

Lu Guang looked through the photos as she continued explaining, “These are the last photos Zhao Jing the husband had taken, or ones where he was in the photo. But some date back almost a year before he died. She said he wasn’t one to take many photos, so most of them just have him in the picture. Oh and here are a few more; these are the last photos others had taken of him. So do you think you are up for the job?”

“Of course we are!”

“No. no, we're not.” Lu Guang interrupted Cheng Xiaoshi, handing the photos back to Qiao Ling.”

She sighed, “I was afraid you were gonna say that..”

“C’mon why not? This woman lost her husband and just wants him to be able to rest in peace.” Cheng Xiaoshi tried to convince the older boy to at least give the case a chance, “Even if we can’t exactly figure out what happened; we might be able to gather clues the police don't know about-”

“No. We're not doing this case and I mean it this time. I can’t allow a mission that could end up with you getting hurt again.” There was a cold look in Lu Guang’s eyes that showed just a flicker of worry.

“Okay, and what if I promise to not get hurt.”

“Cheng Xiaoshi you're not listening, I said no and I make the decisions on what jobs we can and can’t do.”

QIao Ling stepped into the middle of the two, “Hey now it’s alright I knew this mission would be a bit reckless and I was planning on declining immediately, but the girl kept on persisting…. But yeah I think Lu Guang is right with this one, we don't want anyone to get hurt again.” She gathered up all the photos, placing them back into the envelope before leaving the studio soon after to return them to the owner.

“What’s the point of even having these powers if we can’t even use them to save anyone.”

“You know this death is-”

“Death is absolute, and cannot be changed. Yeah yeah.” Cheng Xiaoshi walked past Lu Guang heading up to their shared room.
Leaving the older boy standing in the middle of the kitchen that was only being lit up by the falling of the sunset.

Lu Guang returned beside the sink, putting away the rest of the dishes that had been left out earlier.

After that he walked into the living room taking a seat on the couch, not completely ready to go face Cheng Xiaoshi once more. It was true that they truly could help this woman out, but that doesn't mean it would be healthy for Cheng Xiaoshi to go running full force into the mission.

After the event with the twins Lu Guang wasn’t even sure what missions would be safe now, plus he needs to stick with the exact time line and not change anything this time. So all he has to do is make sure to only agree to missions they had done in the previous timelines.

He was just conflicted at this point, and at this rate Cheng Xiaoshi is just going to be mad at him all over again. Plus he’d probably attempt to solve the case all on his own like he tried to do with Emma’s if he did say no.

Which was the right choice?

Qiao Ling, we’ll do the mission.

Okay! I’ll bring back the photos by tomorrow!!

Lu Guang stood up heading up the stairs to his room, to tell Cheng Xiaoshi he decided to go along with the mission.

Opening the door he found the younger boy fast asleep in Lu Guang’s bed rather than his own. “That idiot.” Lu Gaung sighed, deciding just to tell him the news when Qiao Ling came back with the photos in the morning.

Lu Guang debated on which bed to sleep in, on one hand he and Cheng Xiaoshi could just share a bed for the night. I mean not like it would be the first time, but the other boy's bed would give him more room. In the end he decided to just sleep in his own bed with Cheng Xiaoshi.

By the time morning hit Cheng Xiaoshi was still fast asleep, but he was more curled up beside Lu Guang, than compared to how he was the night before.

Lu Guang took a moment just to take in the sight, Chneg Xiaoshi looked so peaceful and alive, his skin had gotten a slight tan to it. As the younger boy slept you could hear the sounds of his quiet snores filling the room.

Lu Guang crawled out of the bed; making sure to not wake Cheng Xiaoshi as he did so. Then he did some quick stretches before heading down stairs to make himself a cup of coffee.

The warm scent of coffee surrounded the air of the studio, it was roughly about 8 am. The sleepyhead upstairs probably won’t wake up until around 10, then Qiao Ling said she should be here around 11 or 12 with the photos.

With the free two hours Lu Guang was given he decided to glance through his notebook, rereading everything making sure to not forget a single detail.

-

A couple hours passed when Cheng Xiaoshi stumbled down the steps into the kitchen with breakfast and coffee waiting to greet him.

Lu Guang prepared a couple of eggs and toast for the two of them to share. He made them only shortly before Cheng Xiaoshi woke up to ensure they were still pretty warm.

The older boy sat in the living room with the same notebook as before writing down small details that had been altered and changed.

“Whatcha writing about?” The younger boy smiled as he walked into the room with a small plate of food.

“Nothing important, but anyways I needed to tell you-”

“No don’t worry I understand, I’m really sorry for not taking everything a bit more seriously. I just always rush into things when I think I might be able to help someone. Even if I know it’s dangerous.” He spoke a bit over Lu Guang, not allowing him to finish what he was going to say.

“Oh…well I was going to say; I’m allowing us to go through with that job.”

“Wait Really?!” Cheng Xiaoshi’s face lit up with excitement just as it always did with anytime they got a job; or maybe he face was always lit up.

“Qiao Ling should be bringing over the photos in a little while; just make sure to behave yourself this time. No going off on your own or ignoring what I tell you to do.”

“Alright, will do!” Cheng Xiaoshi did a small sloppy salute with a matching goofy smile of his before digging into the meal laid out in front of him.

-

“Well I’ll go clean our dishes real fast.” The black haired boy got up, now full of energy compared to how he was last night after the fight.

The familiar sounds of the water faucet ran as the front door opened ringing to its usual tone.

“Alright I have the photos!” The black haired girl barged in holding the same envelope she had brought over the previous day. “Here they are!”

Lu Guang stepped into the kitchen accepting the envelope, relooking through all the photos as Cheng Xiaoshi looked over his shoulder resting his chin against the older boy's shoulder.

After that gesture Lu Guang was barely even able to keep his focus on the pictures.

“We can start with this one.” Lu Guang picked out a simple family photo, the photographer being the mother who had set the camera on a timer. The family consisted of the mother, father, and two kids.

“Well I'll let you guys do your work!” Qiao Ling waved them off as she left the studio.

“Okay. The mission is to find out what happened to the Husband, reports say he mysteriously died only a few months after this photo was taken and that the police have yet to solve it. Meaning there is no guarantee that we will be able to either.” Lu Guang and Cheng Xiaoshi made their way back into the living room as they laid all the photos across the coffee table.

“First rule, you get 12 hours. Second, follow my lead and change nothing. Just stick to the script. Third, past and future must remain untouched.” Lu Guang held his hand out, as the younger boy high fived him, “dive.” A small smile ran across Cheng Xiaoshi’s face as he disappeared into the photo.

Chapter Text

A flash from the camera, then Cheng Xiaoshi landed into the body of Wang Jing. She had dark charcoal black hair that was pulled up into a simple high ponytail, with curtain bangs that gently brushed against her forehead. She also had on a long black skirt that tightened around her knees along with a long-sleeve white button up shirt that tucked into her waistband. Then a tall pair of black heels that matched her skirt.

“Now go over to the photo and make sure it’s not blurry.” Lu Guang directed, as Cheng Xiaoshi followed along.

The photo perfectly mimicked the one that had been brought to the studio.

“Now smile and say it’s perfect.”

“It’s perfect,” Cheng Xiaoshi smiled to the family, moving his hands up to pick up the camera from the tripod. As he read the time shown on the camera in a white font 5:47pm. From here on he had 12 hours.

“Idiot. Don’t touch the camera.”

The boy in the photo dropped his hands to his side glancing over at the wife’s family. Realizing the glare he was getting from her husband. “Uh Lu Guang? Why is he looking at me like that?”

“That’s why I told you not to grab the camera, but it’s only a minor change so it should blow over. Now go get the two kids and bring them inside”

Cheng Xiaoshi followed along, walking over to the kids, “Alright let’s hurry on inside, it’s beginning to get a bit cold out here and we can’t have you guys getting sick now, can we?.” Forming a smile across his face, as he places his hands against their backs.

Both kids pouted; complaining about how they wanted to stay outside for longer. “Okay, but first you have to change out of your nice clothes first. alright? Then we will talk about it.” The kids agreed to that, running off into the house.

The husband on the other hand was picking up the camera and tripod before placing both back into their rightful places in the garage.

“Wait outside until Zhao Jing comes back from the garage, then apologize for trying to pick up the camera.” Lu Guang continued to direct.

The tall black haired man walked back outside pulling the garage door shut. He wore a simple white button-up with black slacks.

“I really don’t understand why I have to apologize. I didn’t do anything wrong.” Cheng Xiaoshi grumbled.

“Just do it.” Lu Guang sighed.

“Ah.. I’m sorry for trying to pick up the camera; I just wasn’t thinking..” Cheng Xiaoshi took a step forward closer to the older man.

“OF COURSE YOU WEREN'T THINKING! WHEN DO YOU EVER WOMEN!” Zhao Jing’s eyes flashed with red as he swung his arm out; just barely out of reach from hitting his own wife.

Cheng Xiaoshi backed up carefully so the girl's body he was in wouldn’t end up hurt. A small flash from the past mission with the pink haired siblings came barging on his head. Surely Zhao Jing couldn’t be like the twins' father right?

Zhao Jing huffed, “Get inside.”

The two walked into the house taking off their shoes at the doorstep. Careful not to drag in any dirt from outside.

“Just hurry up and start on dinner, and don’t forget the laundry also needs to be done by tonight. So I have clothes in the morning.” The husband barked orders at Cheng Xiaoshi as they stepped into the kitchen. “Also I want curry tonight so that’s what you're gonna make. Got it?” Zhao Jing left the room before giving Cheng Xiaoshi any time to even respond.

The younger boy stayed quiet for a moment to process what just happened.

“Hey Lu? Does this guy always treat his family like this?” Cheng Xiaoshi wandered around the kitchen slowly navigating where everything was organized.

“This is why I said we probably shouldn’t take the job.” Lu Guang sighed, making his own dinner back in the original timeline.

“Sorry, I made you take the job.” Cheng Xiaoshi mumbled.

“You didn’t make me do anything.” Lu Guang quietly sighed.

Cheng Xiaoshi slowly nodded, focusing most of attention onto the food he was told to make. First he needed to look around the kitchen and find the supplies to prepare the food such as the pan and utensils. It only took looking through a few cabinets encountering a few weird things like rope hidden inside one of them.

He made sure to double check every measurement and cook everything just right. Just so he wouldn’t fuck it up like always does with everything else. Then going along he added a bit of extra flavoring to boost the flavor.
Roughly after about 30 minutes the meal was complete, and all he had left to do was plate the table and gather everyone into the dinning room for their meal. He poured even proportions out to every plate along with placing the silverware, and the pot on an oven mitt in the middle of the table.

Soon after the whole family gathered around the table, neither of the kids dared to touch their plate yet which really confused Cheng Xiaoshi. Most kids he had met over the years would be stuffing their faces and already be asking for more in record time. Zhao Jing picked up his spoon and took the first bite and once his face saw the food as acceptable the younger kids began to eat as well.

Cheng Xiaoshi started to become reluctant to touch his food quite yet, “So does the food taste alright?” He tried to sound as honest as he could be, making sure his tone didn’t come off as sarcastic.

“What did I say about talking at the table and you’re asking how I feel about your cooking? Do you ever learn to follow simple fucking instructions. Because I know it’s not that damn hard.”

Cheng Xiaoshi immediately went quiet before focusing back on his own food, taking small bites of the curry in front of him. “Damn this guy really is a dick, really reminds me of the father of Li Tainxi and Tainchen.”

Soon after everyone finished their meals and left back to their own devices, as Cheng Xiaoshi took the time to clean up the plates and utensils. Before wiping down the table and stove along with the pot after he saved the leftovers.

It was around maybe 8pm now and time to start on the laundry, he separated everything by color as he remembers his mother teaching to do when he was younger. He then threw the first load into the washer along with some detergent before setting a timer, though Lu Guang really did have to help him with the settings to make sure everything was washed properly.

Once the timer went off he placed the laundry in a basket before throwing in another load and going outside to hang the freshly washed one. Then he continued to repeat this process and he touched up the house a bit as Lu Guang directed him too. It was soon past midnight when the two decided to call it a night.

“Wait Lu Guang? Does this mean I have to share a bed with this guy?!”

“You’re just now freaking out about that?” the older boy sighed, “Don’t worry nothing happens.”

Cheng Xiaoshi sighed as relish washed over him he was not about to have his first time with an evil dead man.

“Hurry up to the room before Zhao Jing gets angry that he doesn’t know where you are.”

“Well he’s the one who told me I had to clean.” Cheng Xiaoshi tiredly grumbled as he walked into the master bedroom. The bed took up the majority of the room with small night stands on both sides and a small table at the foot of the bed.

“Lu Guang do I really have to?” Cheng Xiaoshi crept around to Wang Jing’s side of the bed before quietly laying down on his side by the edge of the bed. At this point falling off would be better than scooting any closer to the other man who was taking up ninety percent of the bed.

After a couple minutes of laying there practically motionless a rough hand slid across Cheng Xiaoshi’s waist pulling him closer to the middle of the mattress. As that same hand wrapped itself more around him making it impossible to move. It felt like bugs crawling across his skin and his stomach began to twist and turn as he became more nauseous.

After a few hours it was around 5 am so he had less than an hour to find out as much as he could; because by this point the only things he figured out was the layout of their home and that Zhao Jing is an asshole and probably did deserve to die. He made sure to take another look around this house for anything unusual; he also found that the wife doesn’t have a phone, so the only one in the house with one was the husband. Then the home phone that was placed on the kitchen wall.

The twelve hours he was granted were now up and Cheng Xiaoshi was sent right back to the studio.

“Well that photo was practically useless.” The black haired boy groaned as he was handed a fresh cup of coffee.

“Not necessarily, at least we know a bit more about Zhao Jing, and the layout of the house,” Lu Guang grabbed a scrap piece of paper tracing it out. “And then on the back we can put anything we find odd or even suspects.

“Oh yeah I never asked, how does he die?” Cheng Xiaoshi questioned as he took another small sip of his coffee before the liquid scorched his tongue.

“He was found hanging inside a closet.”

“Oh..” The younger boy went quiet for a moment not completely sure what to say after that, “Wait if he was found hanging wouldn’t that just be a suicide? Why is the case still not solved?” It then also clicked in his brain why he had found a mystery rope hidden inside one of the cabinets.

“Well according to the police reports they believe it involved foul play and or that he didn’t hang himself. The only question would be who.”

Cheng Xiaoshi hummed along thinking of possible answers, “Okay but wouldn’t their family have been inside the home when it happened?” If it was really foul play wouldn’t that have to mean it was someone living in that house, but really who in their right mind would be able to do that to their own family?

“No, not exactly. Wang Jing said that her and her two kids had been staying the night at her parents house and the reason Zhao Jing wasn’t was because he had to work late and didn’t want to barge into the grandparents house while everyone was asleep.” Lu Guang said everything by straight memory, no need for any paper explaining the case in respects towards the public side of the case.

Lu Guang looked through more of the photos attempting to find one that may give them a clue on what could have happened.

“Why are we even still trying to help this guy, he's a total dick.” Cheng Xiaoshi mumbled mostly to himself.

“We’re not helping him. The client is the wife and since we accepted this case we have to go through with it and complete it no matter how we feel about them. Lu Guang puts two photos back into the mustard yellow envelope.

“Why are you putting those back in there?”

“It was only the one you already entered, so we can keep track easier of what we have left. Same as we do with every other mission.” The older boy closed the envelope, placing it back on the table.

“Oh I thought I saw you put two in there, but I guess I’m just seeing things,” Cheng Xiaoshi chuckled.

“Well we should just take a break today, so you don't overdrive your power.” Lu Guang gathered all the photos into a neat pile.

“Wait, can that actually happen?!”

“It’s better that we don’t have to find out.” The older boy sighed getting up from the couch, “I'll go start on lunch.”

Cheng Xiaoshi laid on his back against the couch remembering everything that had happened while he was in Jing Wang’s body. If her husband was really treating her like that; why would she be so worried about what happened? He had read in books and stuff that people could be “blinded” by love, but certainly it wouldn’t reach that length, right?

It was later that night Cheng Xiaoshi was sitting up in his bed almost asleep when he noticed Lu Guang still up sitting at the desk beside the window, “Lu Guang-” He tried to speak but it came out more like a quiet muffled sound do the exhaustion that began to curl up inside his body. Ans before he realized he was already off into a deep sleep.

He woke up inside a dining room and he was hiding under the wooden table. Screams echoed through the room with a loud smack that came right after. Oh.. He realized where he was as his surroundings began to become clearer, he saw the two pink haired siblings across from him. Blood dripped down Li Tianchen’s face as he cradled his younger sister in his bruised arms. The yelling in the background got louder and louder, yet Cheng Xiaoshi couldn’t move his body; he was stuck. A black hole cracked open in the ground beneath him slowly peeling away the wood of the floor before eating him whole. He fell and fell, limbs flying everywhere as the weight of the air pushed him down farther and farther into the abyss.

When the light came in sight he was now standing face to face with Emma once more and she smirked, turning away from him, he reached out to save her.

But

It was too late, the truth is…it always was.

In the next moment he was Emma falling through the air as the moon was the only light to be seen along with the stars that seemed to push him closer and closer to the ground, yet he never seemed to hit. So instead he closed his eyes accepting what really has to come.

Once he peaked open he saw Lu Guang sitting on the couch kneeled over as the blood flowed from his stomach, his breathing becoming more uneven as he lost consciousness. He wanted nothing more to run over and help him, but again his body wouldn’t respond. Before he felt a cold metal rub against his skin and cold air swept into the wound, oh.. This time it was him getting hurt. Maybe it was better this way? Cause if he was hurt instead and if that really did mean less people would have to end up dying for his careless mistakes. Then yeah I guess he really would just accept this.

There was a weird warmth on his arm when he opened his eyes again, but that's when he saw Lu Guang standing over him shaking him awake. He blinked a few times to clear his vision to make sure he was seeing clearly.

“Sorry it looked like you were having a nightmare.” Lu Guang slowly removed his hand away from Cheng Xiaoshi’s shoulder leaving nothing but the cold air that replaced the warmth of the older boy.

“Lu Guanggg,” The black haired boy reached out grabbing the other’s hand, “Don’t leave.” Cheng Xiaoshi mumbled slurring his words together before drifting back asleep.

The white haired boy slowly intertwined their hands together as he let a small smile slide across his face as his features slowly softened.

Chapter Text

It was the next morning, but it still was a bit gloomy outside. The forecast suspected light rain for a couple hours but then after that it was supposed to just stay relatively cloudy.

Lu Guang was already up making food for both him and Cheng Xiaoshi, and he had already picked out the next photo for them to continue on with their mission.

Once the food was prepared Lu Guang realized that he still hadn't heard Cheng Xiaoshi get up yet, so he decided to go up stairs to check up on him.

He was still lying in his bed unmoving just as he had been the previous night., A small wave of worry fell against Lu Guang as he walked over to the other boy.

Cheng Xiaoshi wasn’t physically harmed, which was a huge relief off of Lu Guang’s chest. But his face was still red and flushed along with his uneven breaths and assumed drowsiness. Lu Guang assumed him to be sick. To be utterly sure he took a quick trip around the house to find the thermometer to check his temperature.

103.4 degrees fahrenheit. He was correct in the fact that the younger boy was indeed sick.

Luckily Lu Guang did make oatmeal for the breakfast, which will be easy enough to get Cheng Xiaoshi to eat while he’s in bed sick. But that also means that they won’t be continuing the mission for today, that was mostly fine with the older boy since Cheng Xiaoshi’s health came way before anything else.

Lu Guang carefully shook the younger boy awake to make sure he’s eats properly.

“mm Lu Guang…?” Cheng Xiaoshi mumbled still completely out of it.

“Sit up you have to eat,” Lu Guang helped him sit up as he placed his hand against the younger boy’s back to make sure he stayed sitting up right.

“I’m not hungry though,” he groaned, attempting to lay back down. Completely unable to do so as Lu Guang kept him from moving.

“I don’t care; you need something in your stomach, or you won’t get better.” The white haired boy took a spoon full of the oatmeal, moving the metal utensil closer to Cheng Xiaoshi’s mouth.

The younger boy hesitated before agreeing and eating a bite.

“See, was one bite that hard?.”

“Very.”

“Alright just a few more bites and you will be done, okay?” Lu Guang continued to spoon feed the Cheng Xiaoshi a few more bites before allowing him to lay back down and fall back asleep.

Sometime during the interaction the two had held each other's hand, but the thing was Lu Guang couldn't pinpoint when. For fucks sake he didn't even notice until Cheng Xiaoshi let go to lay back down.

Lu Guang brushed his hand through the other boy’s hair before leaving him to get a decent amount of rest.

-

A few hours later Cheng Xiaoshi came into the kitchen, where he found Lu Guang holding the broom sweeping up the house.

“Oh you're up. Are you feeling any better?” The older boy walked over to him, laying his hand against the younger one’s forehead. “Well you still feel a bit warm..”

Cheng Xiaoshi lightly pushed Lu Guang’s hand away, “Have you picked out the next photo we're gonna use?”

“Yeah I did; It’s sitting on the coffee table.”

“Alright I’ll go grab it.” Cheng Xiaoshi moved to go retrieve the image, but before he even had time to step more than two steps away Lu Guang wrapped his hand around his wrist.

“Not right now; we have to wait for you to get properly healed up.”

“What? No, the mission we need to hurry up and solve it. Plus we took a break yesterday anyway.” He attempted to pull his arm away, but he was either too weak or Lu Guang’s grip was too strong.

“We took a break yesterday because you had just gotten back from a photo and we can’t have you inside an image if you are sick.”

“What’s the problem if I am sick? Not like it makes that much of a difference.”

“It would end up just being a complete waste of a photo and we need as many as we get to solve this.” Lu Guang sighed, lighting his grip as he let his hand continue to lay motionless against the other boy’s.

“You always do this…I just want to finish the mission, but you slow down the whole process every single time.” Cheng Xiaoshi grumbled.

“That’s because I know you get tired after every jump, yet you continuously push yourself until you break.” A flash of red ran through the back of his head, no. He couldn’t let Cheng Xiaoshi end up in harm's way this time. Even if it meant taking longer on every mission and checking up with the younger boy more often than he probably needed to.

“How would you even know that?” Cheng Xiaoshi’s voice came off more accusatory than anything else.

“I know a lot more than you know I do.” Lu Guang’s voice recited off being careful of what he chose to say.

“So what now are you calling me stupid?”

“What? No.”

“Stop lying, you always lie and I can never tell what’s the truth or what you're just wanting me to believe is true.”

“Listen to me Cheng Xiaoshi, you are smart and you’re one of the most amazing people in my life. And I..” Lu Guang trailed off once more before shifting his response, “And I care about you, So much.”

Cheng Xiaoshi’s face softened for a moment before slowly nodding, “Alright, yeah we can continue on with the mission tomorrow.”

Lu Guang nodded back before attempting to direct the younger boy back up stairs until he slept the rest of his fever off.

Cheng Xiaoshi slowly walked up the steps as Lu Guang trailed behind him carefully watching him so he didn't fall or hurt himself some other way.

Once the pair make it back into their bedroom Lu Gunag soon left to go make lunch for both of them.

The younger boy stayed in his room pulling out his phone researching more about the case they had been working on, but most of it was everything he had already been told over the last two days.

A thought passed through Cheng Xiaoshi’s head to jump into a photo anyways, but there was also the possibility of what happened last time with Emma…

Though this one wasn’t the same. This time he knew who died and it wouldn't be a surprise and he sorta maybe knew what he was looking for. All he had to do was find a photo that was taken within 12 hours of the time Zhao Jing died! Then if it’s a photo he took then even better; he’d just have to wait to be killed! And then boom! They caught the murderer and this mission is complete!

Lu Guang brought back up two bowls of freshly made ramen and two pairs of chopsticks, “Here’s your bowl.”
The older boy slid one of the bowls across the desk before handing Cheng Xiaoshi a pair of chopsticks.

“Hey Lu Guang,” The younger boy held his chopsticks glancing down at the hot bowl.

“Yeah?” The older boy glanced at Cheng Xiaoshi, who sat across from him. His cheeks still a fit flushed from the fever and his eyes were glued onto the noodles that sat right under his nose.

“Do we have any photos around 12 hours before the murder?”

“Yeah, I think there are one or two like that, why?” Lu Guang suspected he knew what the younger boy was gonna ask.

“Why don’t we just use those and see the murder happen? With that we would know who with absolute certainty right?” Cheng Xiaoshi’s tone came off more as a question, but it was still easily seen that he did still have a clear understanding of what he was going on about.

“Well yeah, I mean you aren’t entirely wrong, but there is still the chance of you getting hurt. Don’t forget you can feel everything that the other person’s body feels. For example if they got stabbed, then you would feel yourself getting hit and along with all the pain that comes along with that.”

“Even so, the mission would be complete and it would be much easier and simpler!”
“Cheng Xiaoshi no. I can’t. I can’t have you getting hurt for the sake of one job.” Lu Guang’s voice was stern and it was already becoming clear that he wasn’t going to change his mind anytime soon.

“Well it’s not like I would actually be getting hurt or anything.” The younger boy pleated. “Plus I could just leave the photo as soon as we see the face of who is going to kill Zhao Jing.”

Lu Gunag sighed, “We’ll talk about this more once you're completely better. You still need plenty of rest so your fever can go down.”

The two boys continued to sit in the silence as they ate the rest of their food.

Shortly after Lu Gunag finished he went to go take the bowls back down before noticing Cheng Xiaoshi had barely even eaten any of his ramen.

He really isn’t feeling good…

The older boy pushed the thought off taking up both bowls not wanting to pressure the younger into eating more than he is able to.

As Lu Gunag made it down the stairs then i to the kitchen Qiao Ling walked into the studio.

“Oh Quio Ling, why are you here?” The older boy continued to place the glasses in the sink.

“Just checking in on how the job’s been going; so where is our resident loud mouth hiding.”

“He’s upstairs; he’s sick right now.”

“Oh, Is he okay?”

“Yeah just a slight fever now, he’s been just sleeping most of the day.”

Qiao Ling hummed along, “Well that’s good at least.”

Lu Guang nodded, running the dishes under the water before scrubbing them with soap and placing them on the drying rack.

Qiao Ling leaned onto the counter using her elbows to prop herself up. “Hey Lu Gaung, do you like Cheng Xiaoshi?”

A slimmer of surprise passed through the older boy’s eyes as a slight smile slid across his face. He was smiling, yes, but… his eyes seemed to hold a certain kind of sadness?

“Why haven't you said anything to him?”

“I can’t, I couldn't. plus he’s straight anyways and if I say anything it would only change things for the worse.”

“Well you don’t know that…” Qiao Ling’s smile slowly fell. Truth was she knew he was right, but even so she still wished there could be a way for the two to be together.

Lu Guang could prove Qiao Ling wrong as she said he didn't know, I mean he once experienced it. A silent chuckle echoed through his head. Once in the timeline before this he had mentioned something similar and Cheng Xiaoshi immediately shut him down and I don't think he could take going through that again.

A thud sounded on the stairs; making the two standing in the kitchen go quiet. Hearing the door from upstairs quietly shut.

Lu Guang rushed up the stairs as a flash of red popped into his memory. Was it him? no i couldn't be…not yet. Or was it possible that Cheng Xiaoshi overheard them? Either way the outcome wouldn't be good; just one was definitely more… tolerable?

Lu Gunag opened their bedroom door peeking his head in to see Cheng Xiaoshi fast asleep.

A slightly relieved sigh left his lips, maybe it was just his imagination acting up again. The older boy quietly closed the door heading back down the stairs.

When he reached the bottom floor he noticed Qiao Ling was gone; a moment later his phone buzzed.

Sorry something came up!

Lu Gunag hummed putting his phone back into his pocket before deciding to back through the photos for the job one more time.

There really wasn’t any super useful, that would give him information they needed. So all that was really left was to wait for Cheng Xiaoshi to get better and have him find out more from the inside.

Chapter Text

The next day the younger boy was promising he was completely back to full health, and the thermometer showed he was no longer running a fever.

“Alright we can continue with the job, but you have to promise to take it easy. We can’t have you getting yourself sick again.” Lu Guang reluctantly agreed.

Cheng Xiaoshi cheered, “Have you decided on the next photo yet?!”

“Quiet down a bit your yelling, but yeah I have.”

The two boys walked into the living room taking a seat against the couch, as Lu Guang rumbled through the photos before finding the one he had been looking for.

“I looked through this one, but I couldn't find anything. Adding to that this should be an easy photo to start with.”

“What really,” Cheng Xiaoshi complained. “Why can’t we use a photo that we can find a better lead with.”

“Because you are still sick.” The older boy sighed at the other’s ignorance.

Lu Gunag slid the photo across the table into Cheng Xiaoshi’s sight.

“You know the rules, first you get 12 hours. Second, follow my lead and change nothing.Third, past and future must remain untouched.” Lu Gunag lifted his hand awaiting the other to cooperate and press their palms together. Warmth of Cheng Xiaoshi’s hand seeping into his own…enough proof to fool him into believing the last universe had never happened.

A flash then Cheng Xiaoshi was gone, but this time not forever.

Lu Gunag looked towards the photo on the table, the picture showed Wang Jing giving Zao Li a small side hug. Both with wide smiles. The other girl had similar features when compared to Wang Jing, So assuming this is her sister. Other than that the photo had been taken at Zao Li’s baby shower. This was also taken a bit farther back compared to the previous photo.

-

Cheng Xiaoshi unraveled his arms from Zhao Li’s congratulating her once again.

“Oh Wang if it wouldn't be too much trouble you really should help and give me some pointers, since you have two kids and all.” Her chuckled filled with so much joy.

“Yeah of course,” A small smile slid across Cheng Xiaoshi’s face.

Lu Gunag don’t you think this girl is pretty cute; the younger boy let out a sneaky chuckle as he spoke to the older one.

Lu Guang let out a small sigh, “Don't be weird. That’s Wang Jing’s sister.”

Alright, Alright I won’t. Cheng Xiaoshi stepped towards the food area; glancing around at all the options to fill his stomach.

“Don’t tell me you're planning on eating again.” A man sighed from behind the younger boy and a hand slid against his shoulder.

“Oh Zhao, no no; I'm way too full for that.” A nervous chuckle left Cheng Xiaoshi’s lips as the older man’s hand pulled him closer into his chest.

“Don’t worry darling it was just a joke.” His voice was cold, but light enough no one around them could tell that he wasn't joking.

It was only seconds before Zhao Jing finally let go, but it felt like hours had gone by. Before leaving off while talking to another man.

Only a few moments later a younger girl came running up to Wang Jing, as she cheered her name. The girl had long black hair that had been neatly straightened. For her outfit she was wearing a black and white plaid skirt that was matched with a black belt and a white shirt with sleeves that hung off her shoulders. Finally her shoes were just a pair of simple black flats.

Why is her heart beating so fast…? Cheng lightly moved his hand over his chest. It feels the same as it did when I saw the picture of Lin Zhen and Yu Xia.

“Hi- uhh” Shit Lu? I don’t know her name!”

“Lou Yang.” The older boy quickly replied.

“Lou Yang!” A nervous chuckle left Cheng Xiaoshi’s mouth; in small hope the other girl hadn’t noticed.

“It's been so long!” The girl brightly smiled, further increasing Wang Jing’s heart rate. At this point Cheng Xiaoshi was sure the organ would lodge its-self right out of his throat.

“Yeah it really has!” Cheng Xiaoshi smiled as the two of them intertwined their fingers, but just for a moment. Then both of their hands fell to their sides; even with how clueless the younger boy was he knew there was something deeper, or another meaning…but what?

Hey Lu Guang what just happened?

The older boy didn’t say anything in return, “We can go over it later. Just try and get more information for now.”

Cheng Xiaoshi agreed, before turning his focus back to Lou Yang. Who was continuing to talk about various topics, the younger boy could quite understand.

Lu Gunag? Are you getting anything she’s saying? She’s talking so fast…

“Just listen, you don’t need to say anything in return, just simply smile and occasionally give a small nod.”

After a couple minutes Lou Yang left off to speak with a few other guests.

“Okay now look for Zhao Jing, we need to know the name of the other man he was talking to.” Lu Guang reverted back to directing the younger boy around.

Cheng Xiaoshi quickly glanced around the room trying to spot Wang Jing’s husband. When he finally found him; he was still talking to the same guy.

“First explain to me in detail what he’s wearing.” Lu Guang reached out for a notebook to place notes inside for this job. He couldn't have the two of them missing any small parts, even if they seemed useless at the time.

The older man was wearing a black suit, with a matching shade of shoes that look like they had recently been shined. HIs hair is slicked back while still having a slight frizziness to it on his sideburns. His hair was also a simple black color just as his eyes, and small shaved beard. The man also wore a pair of black circle glasses with deep eye bags hidden underneath them.

“Uhm.. he has black hair and a suit on, plus glasses?” Cheng Xiaoshi was always terrible at catching all the smaller details, so really he had the drive and power…Just not the talent?

This man also just seemed so familiar like he had seen him once before, not in person though. Another photo maybe…? But it wasn’t the one with the family; I mean that one only enlisted of Zhao and Wang Jing and then their two kids.

Speaking of their kids, where were they? Left at another family member's house? Probably.

“Should I move closer to them, see if I can catch a name?”

“No try and ask someone around the party first, preferably a person Wang JIng wouldn’t know. Just to be safe, since she might be supposed to know who he is.”

Cheng Xiaoshi eased his way across the room until he saw another girl who was standing all alone, “How about her Lu Guang?”

“Yes she should be fine.”

The younger boy made his way over to the girl, “Hey uhm do you happen to know who that guy over there is?”

“Which one?” The woman asked, trying to get a better peak.

“The taller one, the one with glasses.”

“Oh! You must mean Cheng Weimin. Yeah he comes to most of these events around here. I think there was something about him being Zao Li’s collage teacher, and because of that I have been hearing these rumors. One of them is that most people are actually thinking he’s the father to her children and not her boyfriend.”

“Oh, okay thanks so much.” Cheng Xiahoshi slightly smiled before walking away. The younger boy has become surprisingly better at controlling his emotions during missions, which I guess is a plus? Even though when he’s sick it’s the complete opposite; by that he means he’s an actual mess.

As Cheng Xiaoshi was making his way through the crowd he felt a hand grip onto his shoulder. The hand was large and definitely had some strength behind it.

He turned around to find Cheng Weimin standing right behind him, “So I heard you talking about me over there.” The older man smiled.

“Yeah…It’s just that I had never met you before, so I thought I'd go ahead and ask around a little
bit.” Cheng Xiaoshi backed up a bit from his father. He was actually kinda glad he was in Wang Jing’s body, so he could weasel his way out of this a bit easier. Though if Cheng Weimin did meet Cheng Xiaoshi in person; would he even recognize him?

“I see, well let me properly introduce myself. I’m Cheng Weimin; and you are?” The older man smirked looking the younger boy up and down. Sure he was in a cute girl’s body, but being looked at like that by your own Father is still… weird. Even that is probably an understatement.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Wang Jing.” Cheng Xiaoshi forced himself to smile back.

“Oh I see, you're related to Zhao Jing I assume?”

“Uhm yeah… he’s my husband.”

“Husband? At your age… oh you poor sweet thing.” Cheng Weimin gently pat Wang Jing’s shoulder as his own way of reassurance.

Zhao Jing stepped in between the two of them, removing the older man’s hand off his wife. “Could you refrain yourself from putting your hands on my wife here.” He sighed, pulling Wang Jing behind him.

“My apologies. I really didn’t know she was yours.” Cheng Weimin gave a rough smile, “Well I’ll be off I suppose.” The older man left without another word.

Zhao Jing turned around to his wife, “Are you alright?” He carefully cupped her cheek with one hand, and slight worry in his eyes as they roamed Wang Jing’s face carefully analyzing her expressions.

“Yeah I’m fine.” Cheng Xiaoshi relaxed a bit as a hint of relief washed over him, but he still didn’t like the fact Zhao Jing was touching him either

The younger boy remembered that he hadn't been keeping an eye on the people around him for anything out of character; like Lu Guang had asked him too.

Zhao Jing had made his way back to talking with other guests, leaving his wife on her own once again.

“Hey Lu Guang, do you have any idea why he was here?” Cheng Xiaoshi quietly whispered to the older boy.

“No I don't.” Lu Guang laid back on the cushion of the couch shaking his head. “ Time changed again.” The older boy spoke to himself as he scratched a small note in his book. Last time he went through this photo Cheng Weimin wasn't supposed to be in it, or at least if he was Cheng Xiaoshi wasn’t supposed to run into him.

Lu Guang had been keeping track of every change and difference, comparing and contemplating why time keeps altering its-self when he’s been trying to preserve the future.

At this point it might be impossible to keep things the same forever, Time is meant to be unpredictable, so it might not be that far of a long shot to say that’s why it keeps changing.

“Cheng Xiaoshi, you can leave the photo now. I wasn’t able to find anything relating to the case in the next few hours.”

The younger boy nodded before clapping himself out of the picture.

-

“Great another photo, and nothing.” Cheng Xiaoshi signed, leaning his back against Lu Guang’s arm as they both sat on the couch.

“That was only the second photo anyways, we still have several others we can still use.” The older boy glanced through the pictures placing the one they had previously used back into the folder.

“Well which photo are we going into next?” Cheng Xiaoshi peered over Lu Guang’s shoulder trying to get a look at what photo they could use next. “Oh how about this one.” The younger boy smirked, grabbing a random photo from Lu Guang’s hand.

“Let’s go with this one!” Cheng Xiaoshi sat up to get a better look at the photo he stole.

“Idiot, give that back.” Lu Guang reached for the picture in Cheng Xiaoshi’s hand.

The younger boy pulled the photo away, hanging it over the arm of the couch, “You'll have to reach it first.” A cocky chuckle fell from Cheng Xiaoshi’s lips as Lu Guang’s annoyance rose.

The older boy attempted to reach for it again, propping himself up with one hand on the edge of the cushion, then the other extended out to the photo. When Lu Guang glanced under him he realized that he had accidentally pinned the younger boy down. Yet Cheng Xiaoshi didn’t seem to pay much mind to it.

It only took moments before the heat rose to Lu Guang’s cheeks, he quickly pulled the photo from Cheng Xiaoshi’s hands before returning to his own cushion.

The younger boy pouted as the picture had been taken from him. “Hey I didn’t even get to see which one I grabbed!”

A small sigh left Lu Guang’s lips as an attempt to rinse the blush from his face, “I’m going to make us some dinner, so in the meantime just don’t do anything stupid.” As he stood up from his seat he carefully placed the photo downwards against the coffee table.

While the older boy was gone, Cheng Xiaoshi decided to take a peek at the photo he had randomly chosen. When he looked at the photo it had the father, Zhao Jing, then one of his kids.

The little boy in the photo had a silver plate with home cooked meal neatly placed on it, as he showed it off to his father who seemed maybe at least slightly proud of his son’s work.

“Why was Lu Guang so against us going into this one,” Cheng Xiaoshi mumbled to himself.

“And why did he go to cook dinner? It's not even 5 yet.” Cheng Xiaoshi signed; tossing the photo back onto the table before leaning back onto the couch.

-

In the kitchen the blush against Lu Gaung’s cheeks had finally faded away as he tried to think about what to cook for Cheng Xiaoshi and himself.

The two weren't able to afford anything fancy for most nights so it was more often ramen than not. Though every once and while a nice home-cooked meal could be an amazing reward. But it looked like tonight was just gonna be another ramen night.

Lu Gunag pulled out two cups of noodles, then placed a pot of sink water on the stove. While he waited for the liquid to begin boiling he went through and cleaned a few things in the kitchen up; like the counters and floors.

-

“Alright here you go.” Lu Guang sat Cheng Xiaoshi’s food in front of him on the coffee table before taking a seat beside him.

“Thanks Guang Guang.” The younger boy smirked, before quickly digging into his dinner.

“Can we go ahead and choose the next photo already,” Cheng Xiaoshi sighed.

“Alright fine, but let's finish eating so you don’t end up ruining the picture.” The older boy over the years had gotten used to Cheng Xiaoshi’s inpatient, clumsy personality; but honestly it truly was one of the many things he loved about him.

Chapter Text

“I think we should do this one.” Cheng Xiaoshi pointed at the photo with Zhao Jing and his son; and it was the same photo he had previously chosen from Lu Guang’s hand.

The older boy sighed, taking the photo in his hand once more, taking a peak on the contents with his ability. “Fine, let's go.” Lu Guang held his hand out, “Remember-”

“I have 12 hours and past or present nothing can be changed.” Cheng smirked as he high-fived Lu Guang’s hand.

“Idiot.” Lu Guang mumbled looking into the photo.

When Cheng Xiaoshi snapped into the photo he was holding a phone while taking the picture of Zhao Jing and his son.

“The boy's name is Li Jing; and the one who took the photo was Mei Jing. She’s Zhao Jing’s daughter.

Zhao Jing kneeled down taking a small bite of Li Jing’s food, then in retaliation he son moved the plate away from his father. “No this is my food, you gotta make your own.” Li Jing huffed while protecting his food.

Zhao Jing chuckled and lightly patted his son's head, “Hey now I had to make sure it wasn’t poisonous.”

Cheng Xiaoshi watched this go down, being slightly surprised with how lighthearted everything was and how Zhao Jing wasn’t acting rude at all. Then there was also the time at the baby shower; he did save Wang Jing there also...what's going on?

Li Jing gestured for Mei Jing to come over and join them.

Cheng Xiaoshi follows along walking over to the girl's family, even though he tried to keep himself on alert Zhao Jing pulled him into a small hug.

It has been so long since Cheng Xiaoshi had been able to receive a parental feeling hug, as tears threatened to grace his cheeks. It took a lot of effort to not let them fall, it wasn’t a part of his current character. He couldn’t let his own emotions carry him anymore; it really only led to trouble.

Something that Cheng Xiaoshi noticed was the fact Wang Jing was nowhere to be found, but where would she have gone?

“When’s mom getting back?” Li Jing mumbled, “I wanted to show my cooking off to her as well…”

Zhao Jing hummed, gently patting Li Jing on the head, “You know I'm not completely sure myself, but don’t worry I’ll make sure to tell her all about it.” A small smile let his lips as he saw his son's face light up with excitement.

“Really! Yay! Mei-Mei isn’t that great!” Li JIng ran around the other two loudly cheering, as the room filled with laughter.

“Yeah It is great!” Cheng Xiaoshi let out a small smile as this scene brought him back to his childhood. Li Jing just happened to remind him of himself, and maybe for that reason he felt more inclined to protect Li Jing.

“Well let’s eat the food you prepared, then maybe we can watch a movie or two?” Zhao Jing directed the kids back to the dining table where their dinner was still waiting.

-

Once the food was cleared from their plates, Zhao Jing went around picking up all the dirty dishes.

“Oh, uhm I can do the dishes!” Cheng Xiaoshi blurted out.

Zhoa Jing just simply chuckled while patting his daughter on the head, “It’s okay, I can clean. You and your brother just go run along and play in your room, okay?”

Cheng Xiaoshi slightly nodded, trying to understand the difference in Zhoa Jing’s personality.

-

“Okay so what we know about Zhao Jing so far is that in the first photo we used with the family photo, he was way more aggressive and yelled at Wang Jing on multiple accounts. Then we have the second photo, the one with the baby shower. He wasn’t hanging around Wang Jing much, but he did imminently come to her rescue once he saw my father…” Cheng ment quiet for a moment before continuing, “And now Wang JIng isn’t around and he’s nothing but nice to his kids.”

Lu Guang silently listened to Cheng Xiaoshi’s explanation before talking himself. “Well now we’ll just have to wait, and hope Wang JIng comes back in the next few hours.”

-

Cheng Xiaohsi continued to play along with Li Jing until Zhao Jing came into the room telling them to get ready for bed. There was still no sign of their Mother, but maybe it wouldn’t hurt to ask again.

Mei JIng, sat up in her bed, “Dad, when's Mom coming home?”

Zhao Jing gently smiled, “She’ll be here by the time you wake up, Okay?”

The younger girl nodded and laid back down, pretending to try and go to sleep until their father left the room.

Now that Zhao Jing was gone all Cheng Xaiosho had to do was wait and not fall asleep.

-

Wang Jing didn’t return till a couple hours later, by that time he estimated it to be maybe around 2 in the morning? But what could she have been doing this whole time?

Cheng Xiaoshi stepped over to the door placing his ear against the wood trying to listen in on the conversation going on in the kitchen.

“You came home drunk, again?” Zhao Jing faintly huffed, as movement could be heard from the kitchen to the living room.

“Oh shut up.” Wang JIng grumbles her words slurring together, as she bumped into a nearby wall.

“Watch your step,” Zhao Jing wrapped his arm around his wife’s back pulling up her weight.

For a minute all Cheng Xiaoshi could hear was the couple walking around from the kitchen to the living room.

After that the house was back to pretty much utter silence, except for the quiet mumbles of Wang and Zhoa Jing speaking to each other.

“I don’t get it Lu Guang, why was she out all day and then came back drunk?”

“Maybe she was working, then the company went out drinking for a celebration.” Lu Guang sighed, making Cheng Xiaoshi even more unsure about the older boy’s response.

“Well I don't think anything relevant to the case will happen in the next few hours.”

Cheng Xiaoshi nodded before clapping his hands, reverting himself back to the present.

-

For the rest of the night Cheng Xiaoshi just sat up in his bed, in an attempt to piece everything together. Connecting the dots. Yet nothing. None of it made sense, not a single bit. How does one guy’s personality do a complete 180 in just a few weeks?

The day after that Cheng Xiaohsi was once again home alone with nothing but boredom ringing through his brain and that’s when he spotted a small notebook sitting on the coffee table.

“Oh isn’t this the notebook Lu Guang’s always carrying around?” Cheng Xiaoshi picked up the book, viewing the front and back cover to see if his suspicions were correct.

“Dang and here I thought he would never leave this thing unattended,” He let out an amused chuckle. “Maybe somethings up with him…” Cheng Xiaoshi signs lying on the couch debating if he should read a page or two. Because on one hand it would be an invasion of privacy, but on the other it would never hurt to understand Lu Guang a bit more. He’s always off in his own world with all those short responses, and acts like he knows everything.

After a moment of going back and forth with himself he finally decides to go along with it, surely
it wouldn’t be a problem if he looked at just a few pages right?

Cheng Xiaoshi sat up placing the notebook on the coffee table before opening to a random page; when the book was open the first thing he saw was the date at the top, it was only from a few days ago.

On the page there was a list of everything they had done as long with the times and events that happened? And down to the exact second at that.. “Now that’s a little weird.” Then on the opposite page it had the exact same timeline on it, but at the bottom of that page there was a list of random small things that Cheng Xiaoshi was surprised Lu Guang could even remember. Like there was one note that just said Cheng Xiaoshi ordered the vanilla bean coffee.

Cheng Xiaoshi flipped to one of the last couple pages and the date was labeled for a day that hasn't even happened yet, then on the right side there was a time-line of what was going to happen. But how could Lu Guang even be able to know this? He could only know if..

Cheng Xiaoshi went quiet for a moment, “He wouldn’t have, right…? Ha… past and future must remain untouched right.” Cheng Xiaoshi closed the book. “and why- what reason would he even come back, it’s not..It’s not like him. Maybe I’m just reading into it wrong? Yeah that’s gotta be it.”

Cheng Xiaoshi decided to go wait up in his room for Lu Guang to come back, but even at this point he wasn’t even completely sure if he should confront his best friend about this. Then again for what reason would Lu Gunag even have to keep this from him.

It took longer than Cheng Xiaoshi thought it would for Lu Guang to get home, but who knows maybe he’s hiding something else because he seems to be quite good at that.

Though it’s probably nothing, since the two of them promised to tell eachother everything. Well maybe not everything, but at least the important stuff. And maybe a reason to have every small detail that happens down to the second.

Cheng Xiaohsi sighed leaning back in his bed, because nothing was making sense at all anymore. Not with Lu Gunag, Not with Zhoa Jing, I mean nothing.

The rest of the world felt like it was blurring out the only ringing noise coming from Cheng Xiaoshi’s own brain zooming through anything he could remember that could have been a reason for Lu Gunag behavior. But the thing was the other boy had been writing in that notebook sense the first day they met.

The day the met, it was a warm day, early spring to be exact. Cheng Xiaoshi and a few other guys were planning a game of basketball, but it wasn’t going so well due to the uneven number of people participating. That was until a stay ball smashed right in Lu Guang’s face, and that was right before he invited him to come and join in the game.

To be completely honest he wasn’t expecting Lu Gunag to be any good when playing basketball, since he was a photographer just sneaking pictures off to the side.

Yet I guess the choice he made to invite Lu Guang along, was the moment that set everything in stone. Like if Cheng Xiaoshi hadn’t invited Lu Guang or if Lu Gunag had said no to joining in. The two of them probably would have never even became friends, and maybe then Cheng Xiaoshi would have never actually realised his abilities.

Lu Gunag quietly entered the room, careful to not disturb Cheng Xiaoshi in case he was already asleep.

“Oh Lu? Your back?” Cheng Xiaoshi slightly sat up only seeing the black outline of the other boy.

As Cheng Xiaoshi sat up he felt himself getting dizzier, as his consciousness began to slip.

Chapter Text

When Cheng Xiaohsi woke up, everything felt cold. He was sitting up, no longer in his room. Hands and legs strapped to the bottom of a chair, eyes covered with a back blindfold tightly tied behind his head. The room was silent, no sounds, nor any movements. Just the rapid beating of Cheng Xiaoshi’s heart and his matching breaths.

“Hello?” Cheng Xiaoshi broke the silence surrounding him hoping for some sort of response or reply.

His brain began to recall back to just a few months ago during that mission that ended in that giant earthquake, it was the same then. Quiet and dark. The only difference was then it was warm, before the warmth of the body above him slowly faded out in a cold unmoving one.

“Seems you're finally awake,” A older woman's voice spoke up with the sounds of her shoes echoing against the ground.

The girl sounded familiar, a voice he had heard more recently. But not exactly in person.

“Wait your Wang Jing, aren’t you?” Cheng Xiaoshi was almost certain now, he could only remember her voice from the mumbles in the kitchen during that last photo so he could be wrong on this but…

“Well yeah I am, though I don't seem to exactly know who you are.”

“Are you the one who brought me here?” Cheng Xiaoshi was still confused about her behavior from that last photo, and now she had kidnapped him?

“Yes again,” The older woman sighed, “It was just that when I heard about another person trying to dig up the past..I couldn’t seem to quite…hold back? That make sense?”
“What? You're the one who asked us to find out what happened to your husband right?”

“I’m afraid not. That would have been my daughter. A curious little thing, though she can never keep her mouth shut.” A slight scuf left Wang Jing’s mouth.

“How did you even find out about us?”

“Well, Mei isn’t exactly the best at keeping secrets from her mother.” Wang Jing pulled the fabric off of Cheng Xiaoshi’s face.

The sudden light blinded him for a moment as his eyes burned, but slowly his vision dilated back down to be able to view the room he was placed in. It was the kitchen of the older woman's house, he easily recognised it from when we jumped into the photos. Along with that Wang Jing is still almost identical to how she did a few months ago. Her long black hair still carefully maintained, along with the same similar fashion choices, then her makeup was done flawlessly. Sure not many would change in appearance in that short amount of time, but wouldn’t the notice of her husband's death make her at least a bit exhausted or something?

“Let me guess you’re wondering as to why I don’t seem at least a bit affected by the death of my husband, along with the fact his death has also gone unsolved.” Wang Jing smiled, it was cocky but also calculating.

Cheng Xiaoshi went to speak up but stopped himself, running through what he thought Lu Guang would tell him if he was directing him through any other mission. He’d tell Cheng Xiaoshi to stay quiet and not reveal what he knows or can do; listen to Wang Jing and gather intel.

“Can you at least answer this; why aren’t you worried or grieving for Zhao Jing? I mean he was the love of your life, correct?” This was an honest question Cheng Xiaoshi wanted answers to, because he had never been able to wrap his head around why someone would get married if they didn’t love them.

“Here let me tell you a little tale. Long ago there were two students that fell in love. High school sweethearts you could say, and even after high school the two stayed together like glue. But the girl wished to go off to college and study, and the boyfriend just wanted her to be a stay-at-home wife, who didn’t have to worry about money or working. In short, over time this caused problems between the two, but for the sake of love the girl had to give up on her dreams to live the life her boyfriend and family wished for her.”

“Well you didn't have to- It was your choice.” Cheng Xaioshi gave a small attempt to free his limbs from the rope that had been tearing against his wrists as he felt them become more raw.

“Shortly after that the two got married they had a few kids or whatever.” Wang Jing continued to
they all just popped. Who knows if she's even been able to say anything to anyone in these last few years.

“Why are you even telling me all this in the first place?” Cheng Xiaoshi was still sitting in the same chair; his wrist and ankles tightly being held with rope that threatened to scratch as it crawls deeper into his skin with every move.

“Well it’s not like you're going to exactly make it out of here alive or anything.” A small smile drifted across her face.

Cheng Xiaoshi’s eyes widened, he kinda figured something like this would happen; from the moment he opened his eyes with a dark blindfold covering his face. But at the same time he kind of hoped he would be able to wiggle his way out of this, and that she would just let him go. That was just wishful thinking though, and in his experience that never works out.

“How did Zhao Jing die? Can you tell me that much I mean if you're already planning to kill me anyways.” Cheng Xiaoshi couldn’t let himself die, so his best bet right now would be to drag out this conversation as much as he can. This whole situation is going to be a race against time. Lu Guang has to know he’s missing by now and whether he comes and tries to save himself or if he gets the police involved. Either way he needs more time.

Wang Jing hummed for a moment weighing whether it was a good idea to tell or not. “And well what if I don’t know? What if I’m in the dark just as much as you are?”

“Well I’m just assuming you know the truth, I mean with you kidnapping me and all?”

“Oh right,” Wang Jing let out a small cocky chuckle. “Well I wasn’t the one who kidnapped you. That would have been him.” The older woman glanced at the front door as it swung open.

“You were right though. I do know what happened to Zhao Jing, but in reality I wasn’t the one
who did the deed.”

In walked a guy dressed in baggy jeans and a black t-shirt with a skull plastered on the front. He had black fluffy hair and his face almost matched Wang Jing’s to the tea, then with also having the eyes of his father, Zhao Jing.

“Li Jing.” Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, he should have seen this coming sooner or later. “Why, Why did you do it?”

“You're asking me why?! I hated my Father also putting my sister first, paying more and more attention over the years. Overhearing the things he’s said to my mother. He’s no saint, that's for sure.” Li Jing scoffed, taking his place right by his mother’s side.

-

It was fairly early in the morning, maybe around 8 or 9. Lu Guang was already up and going through all the food that was currently in the studio and ended up deciding it would be best if he ran to the store for a short grocery trip. Cheng Xiaoshi wasn’t quite up yet, so he made his way up to their room in an attempt to wake the younger boy.

“Hey I’m gonna go to the store real quick, need anything?” Lu he Guang gently shook the other boy’s shoulder.

Cheng Xiaoshi shrugged him off, mumbling to himself as he turned away from Lu Guang to face the wall.

“I’ll take that as a no then.” Lu Guang sighed, going back down stairs to locate his wallet. He found it after a few minutes, it was on the counter in the kitchen.

The weather was fairly nice out for it being April and all. That also reminded him, Cheng Xiaoshi’s birthday was tomorrow. So maybe he should spend a bit more than usual, buy some nicer food and maybe even a small gift. Lu Guang lightly chuckled to himself at the thought of Cheng Xaioshi’s reaction to a birthday gift. Since normally he never celebrates his birthday much, but this year they will. Together.

Lu Guang ended up deciding on picking out a gift for Cheng Xaioshi first, so he would have more time to search without worrying about getting the food home. He wanted to make it special as well, since there really was no real telling if Cheng Xaioshi is even going to make it another year .

After going through numerous shops and stores Lu Guang finally found the perfect gift. He quickly bought it and made his way to begin collecting what he came here for in the first place.

-

It wasn’t long before Lu Guang made it back to the studio, I mean he was only out for less than two hours. “I’m back,” He announced, suspecting Cheng Xiaohsi to be in the living room per-usual. But there was no response back nor any noises of movement.

The older boy walked into the living room to find his notebook laying on the coffee table, “Shit no, that idiot better not have read it.”

Lu Guang bolted up the stairs into their room, quickly opening the door with hopes Cheng Xiaoshi was simply still asleep in his bed, unaware Lu Guang had even left.

Though nothing ever seems to go as he would hope, this was never supposed to happen. They were going to solve the case tomorrow with the photo he placed in the file and then celebrate finishing the job and Cheng Xiaoshi’s birthday.

Something had to have changed. But what was it? He doesn’t have any time to think about that right now, he needs to find out where Cheng Xiaoshi and try to get thing back on track.

Lu Guang called officer Xiao, and he said he would try to look over some of the surveillance around that area and then after that he would be over to the studio shortly after.

Lu Guang started to look around the place, looking for any clues or anything out of the ordinary. Though he doesn’t exactly know what he’s searching for. A familiar red haired man popped up through his memory, no it couldn’t be him. Not yet. He couldn’t lose his best friend not again. Not ever again. This was his final and last chance he would ever be given. He can’t fail.

After a few minutes Lu Guang had a small idea of where Cheng Xaioshi might be, so he called Qiao Ling asking her where the Jing family lived. He had to be there, there was no one else it could be unless…

Qiao Ling gave him the address, it was only about 20 minutes away by car. All he could do now was wait for Officer Xiao to come to the studio to pick Lu Gaung up.
go on with short sighs of annoyance. “But the wife you see. Well she wanted more, so she started sneaking off while everyone slept, for a few simple night classes here and there. It was great, perfect even.” Wang Jing began to pace around Cheng Xiaoshi as her whole attention was drawn to her own tale.

“So what happened after that?” Cheng Xiaoshi already knew there had to be more to the story, or at least something she's not telling him.

“It wasn’t until Zhao Jing noticed me sneaking out or coming home late, heck the first day he found out he was pissed you know.” A small chuckle left her lips, “The day he found out was the morning right before our family photos. I had that day planned for a while and yet he completely ruined the whole mood.” She scoffed,

Cheng Xiaohshi thought back to the photo of the family, the very first one he entered. And now a few things were finally able to click into place. The reason behind why Zhao Jing was so mad that day, when in all the photos he was being a genuine good father and husband.

“Why did you never talk things out, I’m sure he would have at least listened if you did?” Unless she never wanted it to work out, that thought invaded his brain. He could bring himself to accuse her of that even if it could be true.

Wang Jing stopped in her tracks facing towards her prisoner, placing her hand against the back of his chair. “Oh shut up, like you know how my life is, I mean I never even wanted to marry that man!”

Oh, more and more pieces seem to continue to fall into the picture. Now this was something he didn’t notice, but probably should have. Both times he was in Wang Jing’s body he hadn’t noticed her having any attraction to the other man. When in most cases he would have noticed; like when he was in Chen Xiao or Xu Shanshan’s bodies.

“I only stayed with him because my family wanted me to!” Wang Jing slowly was becoming more and more overwhelmed by her own emotions that had been bubbling up over the years until
Something had to have changed. But what was it? He doesn’t have any time to think about that right now, he needs to find out where Cheng Xiaoshi and try to get thing back on track.

Lu Guang called officer Xiao, and he said he would try to look over some of the surveillance around that area and then after that he would be over to the studio shortly after.

Lu Guang started to look around the place, looking for any clues or anything out of the ordinary. Though he doesn’t exactly know what he’s searching for. A familiar red haired man popped up through his memory, no it couldn’t be him. Not yet. He couldn’t lose his best friend not again. Not ever again. This was his final and last chance he would ever be given. He can’t fail.

After a few minutes Lu Guang had a small idea of where Cheng Xaioshi might be, so he called Qiao Ling asking her where the Jing family lived. He had to be there, there was no one else it could be unless…

Qiao Ling gave him the address, it was only about 20 minutes away by car. All he could do now was wait for Officer Xiao to come to the studio and pick him up.

Chapter Text

Cheng Xiaoshi woke up a second time, when did he even pass out? He couldn’t remember. He was no longer bound to the chair, yet instead his hands were tied together. He looked around the room almost forgetting where he was. Almost. His vision was so fuzzy he could hardly even stay conscious.

They had dragged him further into the house near the closest in the living room. It looked like they were carrying a few things, like more rope and maybe even…was that a knife? Cheng Xiaoshi could hardly tell, let alone think his head was banging so loud.

Li Jing noticed Cheng Xiaoshi stirring around in an attempt to even just sit up, “Oh look who’s up!” The boy smiled running over to Cheng Xiaoshi who was laying on the floor beside the couch. Li Jing pulled him up to where he was now sitting propped up against the couch.

“So well, we're planning on killing you and in the same way we did to Zhao Jing! All props to me for coming up with the grand idea and all.” Li Jing continued to ramble on with a proud smile smacked right across his face. How could he be so happy while talking about murder was beyond Cheng Xiaoshi’s understanding.

“Li dear, everything is all ready for him now.” Wang Jing walked over to her son carrying a short rope.

“Well you're free to go Mom, I can handle the rest by myself.” Li Jing crouched down to Cheng Xaioshi’s level. “Lets get rid of a few things shall we?”

“Wha?” Cheng Xaioshi was still partially delirious of the current situation as he felt Li Jing’s hand against his shoulder slowly pushing his jacket off his arms.

“Wow your arms are well toned, do you play sports or something?!” Li Jing smiles, trailing his hand across Cheng Xiashi’s bare arms, feeling the form of his muscles. “So I wanted to try something new and well you seem like a perfect fit to be mine! Don’t worry though once I get bored of you I’ll just simply kill you! And normally I get bored pretty quickly so it shouldn’t last long.”

Cheng Xiaoshi tried to pull away from the other boy, but his body wouldn’t let him. He was nearing the fault of passing out once more. To the point he couldn’t even get his mouth to form any words to make up a sentence, let alone any sounds.

One after another another piece of fabric was gone, but Cheng Xiaohsi was already long passed out, who knows if he'll ever be able to wake up and breathe another breath of fresh air. One wish he now realized he would never be able to fulfill. Getting to know Lu Guang better. It was a simple request, the two had been friends for years now, yet he feels like he barely knows him. He should have spent more time listening to what his best friend had to say; rather than talking over him and doing everything his own way. If even had another shot, or if he were allowed to go back. The one thing he would change would be how selfish he was. Not just to Lu Guang but everyone around him included.

-

Lu Gaung and Officer Xiao were speeding their way down to the location of the house Qiao Ling had given to them. Luckily he was able to avoid raising suspension with her, so she didn’t request to tag along or have to be worrying about Cheng Xiaoshi for however long it may take to save him. One thing was for sure, Cheng Xaioshi will be coming home alive tonight.

“Turn here and the house should be on the right.” The police car stopped at the corner of the street out of sight from the house’s view.

“Alright let me go in. You need to stay here.” Officer Xiao was making sure he had anything he may need on him. Such as his gun, badge, bandages, handcuffs, and whatever else.

“No, I'm going in with you.” Lu Guang opened the car door crawling out before the police officer could revolt in return. “Cheng Xiaoshi is my friend and roommate, I wanna be the one to save him.”

“We have no idea what we might find in there, so I need you to be prepared for the worst. Alright? Our main goal is to get everyone out of there alive. If anything I can get other members of the police force here by tomorrow morning if we are unable to arrest the culprits.”

Lu Guang nodded, as the two of them made their way up to the house.

Once they made it to the front porch Officer Xiao knocked on the door and only moments later a woman appeared in the doorway, Wang Jing. Lu Gunag was easily able to recognize her from the photos.

“I’m Li Xiao, I’m with the police and this man here is helping me on a case.” He spoke loud and clear, making sure she understood what was about to happen.

“The police? Oh what caused you to come all the way here? Is there anything I can help you with?” Wang Jing plastered on a worried look, she was a good actor Lu Guang could tell that much.

“Well we have been hearing some disturbances from a couple of neighbors, so mind if we come in just to clear a few things up?”

“Oh Dear, well I’m not quite sure what disturbances you’ve been hearing, but maybe you have the wrong house?” Wang Jing stepped outside on the porch clicking the door shut behind her.

“Well then you wouldn’t mind if we did just a small search of your house right?” Xiao tried taking another step closer to the front door, but as expected Wang Jing kept pushing. Not allowing the two to enter.

“How many times do I have to say, you have the wrong house! Plus it’s a disaster zone right now..” Tears began to form in the corner of her eyes. “I’m a failure as a Mother, I mean I can’t even keep my house properly cleaned for guests.. You see, after my husband, Zhao Jing died nothing has been the same.” She placed her palms against her eyes crying into them making herself look smaller and more helpless.

“It’ll only be a quick walk through, It’s really nothing to worry about ma’am.”

Wang Jing shot back up grabbing on to Officer Xiao’s collar begging him not to go into her house.

In only a split second she smashed a crowbar into the officer's head. Knocking him straight down the stairs, thick blood rolling out, staining the grass.

Lu Guang quickly stepped back carefully watching Wang Jing's movements, while also glancing back at Li Xiao, he couldn’t tell if the older man was still breathing or not.

Wang Jing charged at Lu Gaung, raising up the crow bar above their heads. He quickly avoided the attack as moved toward the door, shaking the doorknob open.

The door opened up into the kitchen, it was clean. Surfaces almost sparkling; Lu Gaunf was sure if Cheng Xiaoshi was even in this room all the evidence probably had been scrubbed away.

Lu Gaung closed the door behind him, locking Wang Jing out. It might not have been the best idea. I mean Li Xiao was still out there, an image of the officer laying on the ground burned in his memory, but he tried to swallow it down.

He gave quick glances around the kitchen, when he saw no one in sight he began speed walking his way into the living room looking for any sign of Cheng Xiaoshi.

In the living room Lu Gunag saw various stains that looked like it could have been blood. The stains looked like they were smeared across the couch and no attempt had been made to clear it up quite yet. In the room he then spotted Li Jing, who was coming into the room from the hallway.

Once the younger boy saw Lu Guang standing over by the couch he froze for a moment, “Who are you and why are you in my house?”

Lu Gunag practically ran over to Li Jing with how fast he was walking, he gripped the collar of the other boy. “Where is he.”

Li Jing’s eyes wandered over to the closet for a split second before going back to the man in front of him, “Who are you talking about.” His voice had slight hint of regret building on to it.

Lu Guang tossed the other boy onto the ground running towards the closest opening the door without a second thought. What laid in front of his eyes was Cheng Xiaoshi, his neck was tied to a short piece of rope while the other end was wrapped around the metal rod used to normally hang clothes and such.

Cheng Xiaoshi’s hands were pulling the rope away from his neck with a low success rate and by the second his grip was getting weaker. Lu Gaung quickly untied the rope freeing Cheng Xioashi who ended up falling into the older boy.

Cheng Xiaoshi passed out almost as soon as he was freed, calmly laying against Lu Guang’s chest as his sleeping body began to attempt even out his breathing. Against the boy’s neck were deep markings from the rope, then his wrists were almost rubbed dry. The older boy traced his hand around Cheng Xiaoshi’s face with every square inch of his body pretty much engraved in his brain.

Lu Guang carefully moved Cheng Xiaoshi into the floor before getting up to face Li Jing. He was just now getting off the floor with a knife planted in his hand. No idea where he could have got it, but that wasn’t important right now.

Both of them watched the others movements, not making any impulsive moves or attacks quite yet.

“So why are you trying so hard to save this man? I mean are you two a thing or something.” Li Jing let a small cocky chuckle roll off his tongue.

“No, were not together. But he’s the closest person I have and I’d do anything to save him.” Lu Guang adjusted his stance to where Cheng Xiaoshi was behind him.

“Even if it means you have to die in his place?” Li Jing continued to swing around the knife; tossing it up in the air before catching it and repeating the process.

“Well you seem confident.” Lu Gunag continued to stay on his guard looking for any attempt to make an actual move.

Another chuckle fell from his lips, “I mean who wouldn’t be? You're obviously weak and can’t hold even a small fight. It was the same for your friends as well, he just kept falling asleep on me. So he wasn’t much fun and could barely even entertain me for more than half an hour.” A cocky smirk continued to lay across his face waiting to edge Lu Guang on.

Cheng Xiaoshi woke up for a moment, his vision blurring together for just long enough for him to see his best friend standing above him, “Lu Guang…?” A gentle smile slid across his cheek, “Took you long enough you idiot.”

The older boy glanced over at the sound of his name, as his body melted with how relieved he felt to know Cheng Xiaoshi was okay. And that meant everything was gonna be okay. “You Idiot, so you're finally up.” Lu Guang hadn’t even realized light smile that was forming on his face.

When Lu Gunag turned out he was met with the fact Li Jing was gone. Vanished. His panic immediately rose up, quickly glancing around the room to spot the younger boy.

A sharp sting screamed into Lu Guang’s side, as he bit down on his lip; holding back the pain of metal being thrusted into him.

The older boy slipped onto his knees placing his hand near the knife, feeling the warm blood flow over his skin. His brain was already beginning to become fuzzy in only a matter of moments.

Lu Gaung reached over to Cheng Xiaoshi, laying his hand against the other boy’s.

“LU GUANG!” Cheng Xioashi let out a yell, but it turned more into a squeal of some sorts. He couldn’t even manage to sit up and help the older boy, even though he was within his reach. If only he hadn’t been an idiot and gotten himself kidnapped. None of this would have happened. If only he had been a bit smarter.

“Cheng Xiaoshi…” Lu Gunag’s voice was already slipping as he spoke. “I want you to continue on living for me, kay?”

“Wha- What are you talking about? We're gonna go home. Together. I’m not gonna leave without you.” Tears were filling up in the corner of his black eyes. Even if he tried to keep all his emotions under wraps they were still slipping there way out.

Li Jing chuckled under his breath as he watched this go down, “Awh are you crying here? Let me help you!” The younger boy pulled a gun from his back pocket pointing the end down at Lu Gunag.

“Wait! Stop please..Shoot me instead! Please.” Cheng Xiaoshi’s voice was shaking and becoming more desperate by the minute. “Please.” He continued to repeat himself as it formed into a loop.

“Cheng Xiaoshi.” Lu Gaung continued to speak, straining his voice.

“Hey- stop talking.. save your energy.” Cheng Xiaoshi was finally able to wrap his hand around Lu Gunag’s hand, though it was ice cold. “Why do your hands feel so cold? I mean you're alive, you aren’t gonna die on me. Right?” A slight lump was starting to form in the middle of Cheng Xiaoshi’s throat, making it hard for him to speak any more.

“You're a complete idiot, and you're impulsive, but don’t ever let that change. You can make the right choice, choose the path I should have chosen all those years ago and just let me go.” A light smile drifted across Lu Guang’s face before his eyes shut.

“Lu Guang?” Cheng Xiaoshi shook the older boy’s hand, “C’mon now don’t play a joke on me now…come on wake up.”

As Cheng Xiaoshi laid there feeling all the warmth of Lu Guang’s hand being sucked away. Becoming nothing more than an empty shell.

The gun went off.

It went off again and again.

The first bullet flew into Lu Gaung’s arm, the second his chest, and finally the third in his stomach.

Cheng Xioashi was yelling the whole time, but his voice was coming out more as coughs and mumbles.

Spots of blood was splattered all against the floorboards and covered pieces of the furniture as well.

Another gunshot.

Cheng Xiaoshi was sure it was him who got shot, he even briefed himself for the pain, but it never came. When he opened his eyes once more Li Jing was falling to the ground.

After seeing the younger boy fall, he was finally able to relax just a bit. The exhaustion began to hit him all at once, and the last thing he saw was Officer Xiao standing above him on the phone with a panicked look. Before turning his head back to his and Lu Guang’s hand, still intertwined as he watched the time on the older boy’s watch, then it hit midnight, as Cheng Xiaoshi closed his eyes whispering a small happy birthday to himself.

Chapter Text

When Cheng Xiaoshi opened his eyes he was met with a hospital room, occasional beeps echoing filled the room.

It wasn’t long before a nurse came into the room for a small check up.

“Oh you're up.” She smiled stepping over to bed.

Cheng Xiaoshi slowly nodded, he wasn’t fully able to remember the exact details from when he passed out. What he did know is that his body hurt like hell with a bit of drowsiness.

“Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?” The nurse passed Cheng Xiaoshi a couple of snacks, “And also please eat these if you can.”

Cheng Xiaoshi agreed and accepted the snacks not yet digging into them.

The nurse pulled up her chairs and opened her computer getting ready to type down the conversation.

“Alright, what's your name?”

“Cheng Xiaoshi.”

“When’s your birthday?”

“April 14.”

“Oh, so that makes today your birthday right? How old are you now?”

“I'm now 22.”

There was a moment of silence between them, as the nurse caught up tying in the last bit of the questions.

“Okay now we're getting into the real question, so tell me, what is the last thing you can remember?”

Cheng Xiaoshi hummed for a moment trying to recall back to what had happened that night, “I think I remember waking up in a kitchen, I was tied to a chair…” He lifted up his wrists, they were bandaged up now; but the sting hadn’t fully swellded down yet.

The nurse nodded. We also were able to do a full body scan, it popped up with several marks made by rope around your wrists, necks, and ankles. There were also several bruises and cuts all over.” She paused for a moment to completely make sure she could continue, when she saw no overwhelming distress coming from the boy she went on, “And finally we did also find another person's dna. The source was from who we assume to be Li JIng.”

Cheng Xiaoshi luckily was able to get what she was hinting at, his memories were still foggy but he was able to recall something like that. Though he’s sure he had probably been really out of it then. “What happened to him anyways?”

“Officer Xiao shot him, though he did not die. He is currently being held at the jail but will soon be transferred over to a psych ward for the time being.”

Cheng Xiaoshi hummed along, truly he did wish that Li Jing had died due to that shot. Does that make him a horrible person? I mean what kind of person hopes for another's death.

“Wait Lu Gaung! Is he okay?!” The memories of the older boy saving him was flooding back into his head.

The nurse went quiet for a moment.

“No,” Cheng Xiaoshi bit the inside of his lip, “No you're lying. He couldn’t have..”

“I’m sorry, but I will give you some space now. Thank you for your time.” She bowed before exiting the room. Before the door shut she remembered one last thing, “Right Officer Xiao said he’s gonna come by and visit in a bit.”

Cheng Xiaoshi slowly nodded, eyes not meeting the nurse’s.

The door shut leaving the only sound filling the room was the beeping of the machines.

-

It wasn’t too long after before Li Xiao came knocking on the door, “Hey it’s me can I come in?”

“Yea.” Cheng Xiaoshi tried to yell out in his usual tone, but his voice came out more condensed and quiet.

“Hey, good to see you up. The doctors said you're gonna be released today after one final check-up.” Officer Xiao stood a bit aways from Cheng Xiaoshi, you could see it on his face that he was disappointed in himself, “I’m sorry, If I hadn’t gotten knocked out. Or if I had been even a bit more careful, Lu Guang he would have-”

“It’s alright, It’s no one but Li JIng and Wang JIng’s fault.” Even if Cheng Xiaoshi couldn’t bring himself to quite believe that it was technically the truth. “Oh, have you guys been able to reach Mei Jing?”

“Yeah, she should be flying in tomorrow from Osaka. I also put together files for all of the Jing family members.” Li Xiao pulled out a binder flipping to the pages with all the data before handing it over to Cheng Xiaoshi.

“Isn’t this restricted data for only the police?”

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. The police force is offering you a job opportunity as an officer, If you go along you would be placed with me on my force.”

“What? Don’t you have to do a lot of training at an academy and have high grades to get in?” Cheng Xiaoshi thought he was hearing things, because there was no way he was being offered a job after just being a photography studio owner. Technically renter.

“Yes that is true, but under the accord of the force we will allow you to join the academy while simultaneously being an officer, and of course all the costs for the training will be covered. So tell me will you want to join?”

Cheng Xiaoshi almost immediately shouted yeah, but Lu Guang’s voice echoed through his ear, Think you idiot. His life would be in danger more often and there are chances he will have to go through a similar situation as yesterday. But he will get training and get to save people as well. “I’ll do it.”

Officer Xiao nodded, “Feel free to borrow this binder until tomorrow. I need you to go ahead and study the Jing files so that you are well updated to meet with Mei Jing tomorrow.” Soon after that Li Xiao left, leaving Cheng Xiaoshi all alone in this hospital room once more.
-

Cheng Xiaoshi was released later that night, when he got home he found a small box sitting on the counter. It was signed to him; from Lu Gunag. He must have bought it while he was out. He hadn’t even noticed the tears were already streaming down his cheeks, turning his face into a light red shade.

The present was wrapped as well, not even with a cheap bag and some tissue paper. Cheng Xiaoshi carefully tore the corner of the gift slowly revealing what's inside. It was a small black jewelry box. It was a yin and yang necklace on a long silver chain. Half was a black dog and the other was a white cat. The dog's eyes had gold gems for its eyes while the cat had light blue ones.

Cheng Xiaoshi clipped the chain behind his neck, planning to never take it off or ever let it get ruined. Ever. He had to do this as a final thing for Lu Gaung.

Under the gift was a letter dedicated to Cheng Xiaoshi.

Dear Cheng Xiaoshi,

I’m writing this as I wait for Li Xiao to pick me up to go save you. I'm sorry this had to happen the day before your birthday. I promise when we get back I’ll do everything I can to make you feel better; I even was able to buy your favorite food for dinner plus a special gift. I thought of us when I saw it and figured you might like it. More like I hope you like it. Listen there are all lots of things I’ve done that I have had to keep from you until now, but we can talk it out later so you can enjoy your special day. Officer Xiao is here, sorry this is short. But I will save you. I can tell you that much at least and I love you.
Love, Lu Gunag

Cheng Xiaoshi had completely lost his appetite by now, and he felt like he was gonna cry again except there were no tears left to cry. And somehow that hurt worse than actually being able to cry. It felt as if his eyes were burning and the lump in his throat was getting bigger but couldn’t go away.

He ended up falling asleep on the couch that night. He didn’t think he would be able to handle being in their room without Lu Gunag.

He began to realize how he should have taken more time to enjoy all the smaller moments with Lu Guang, but he never thought there could be a time he wasn’t gonna be there right by his side.

Everything felt so cold now.

Could it ever warm back up? Cheng Xiaoshi would never know.

-

The next morning Cheng Xiaoshi woke up with a light hand shaking his shoulder, “Lu Guang…” He tiredly mumbled out not wanting to get up just yet. When he finally got standing only two feet in front of him was Lu Gunag.

He looked so alive Cheng Xiaoshi could almost forget that this wasn’t real. There was no way it was. Even with his eyes reflecting off the same shade he remembered, and his skin looking just as smooth as before. He wondered if he felt his hand if it would still be warm or if it would be just as cold as it was when he last held his hand.

“Idiot I told you already, you need to get up earlier. I made us coffee. It's in the kitchen right now.” Lu Guang sighed, before taking a seat right beside Cheng Xiaoshi. “Are you sick again?” The older boy placed the back of his hand against the younger one's forehead. “Well you don’t feel warm.”

“Ah no-no I’m fine, Just a bit beat up from yesterday you know?” When Cheng Xiaoshi looked at his wrists the badges were gone, no scars to even prove they were there.

“Don’t tell me you were being stupid yesterday.” Lu Guang leaned into the back of the couch too tired to lecture Cheng Xiaoshi this early in the morning.

“I guess it was a dream..” Cheng Xiaoshi mumbled, after a blink the room went dark once again.

When his eyes opened once more, Lu Guang was gone. The bandages had returned to his wrists once again. A slight curse slipped through his tongue.

It was currently 12pm and Li Xiao texted him saying to meet up at the station around 2. Might as well try and eat and get dressed.

While making breakfast Cheng Xiaoshi face-timed Qiao Ling, but she didn’t answer. It was a bit out of character for her, but she may just not have her phone on her. Right? Yeah.

Another thought bugged his head a bit, It was how Qiao Ling hadn’t called or texted Cheng Xiaoshi for his birthday. Over the years she’s never forgotten once. He decided to call again in a minute and bring it up to Officer Xiao in a bit to see if he could find out.

-

Cheng Xiaoshi made his way up to the station a bit earlier than he was told. When he got there, Officer Xiao informed him that they were still waiting on Mei Jing, but that she should be on her way by now.

During the wait Cheng Xiaoshi continued to call Qiao Ling multiple times, yet to his advail ge still hadn’t gotten a single response.

Mei Jing entered the building only a few minutes after. She looked just like her mother did, long black hair neatly brushed with light pink hair clips that took the forms of cherries. She also wore a white blouse with lace design and a matching plaid skirt that was pink and black.

“You must be Mei Jing if I’m correct?” Li Xiao asked to ensure it really was her.

“Yeah I’m Mei, and you must be Li Xiao, the officer who wanted to meet with me today right?” Her voice was soft and she came off a bit shy.

“That would be correct, and If you could follow me and my colleague here into one of the investigation rooms.” Officer Xiao led both Mei Jing and Cheng Xiaoshi to the room in back of the police station. And it just so happened to be the same room that Li Tainchen and Cheng Xiaoshi had first met in.

Once the three of them were in the room Li Xiao closed the door and allowed them to sit wherever they wished at the table.

“So why exactly am I here? You said it was related to my family?”

Oh, so he hasn’t even told her what's going on yet..

“Relating to your father, Zhao JIng. We have solved the case, we found out who committed the murder.”

Mei Jing’s eyes lit up at that, anyone could tell this made her genuinely happy. “Really?! Last I heard you guys were still ruling it out as a suicide. But uhm why aren’t my mother or even my brother here? DId you already tell them the news- or..?”

“Yes. And well your brother, Li Jing has been taken into custody in addition to that your mother, Wang Jing is gonna be put up on a lookout list for arrest.”

Cheng Xiaoshi had always wondered how officer Xiao was able to keep his cool so well, without showing any emotion. It comes with the training I suppose.

“Wha? Why?” The confusion in her voice began to rise along with the side of worry.

“This information hasn’t been made public yet, so anything I tell you from beyond this point must not be mentioned until further notice. Are you alright with that?” Officer Xiao’s voice was still just as stern as always.

Mei Jing nodded, shifting in her chair to become more comfortable.

“Two days ago there was a kidnapping. The witness will be staying unknown even after the information is released. Continuing, your brother has been ID’d as the kidnapper.”

“WHAT?! No -no you must have the wrong person.. I mean my brother would never. And then what does my mom have to do with this?!

“Wang JIng helped with the kidnapping, Ms. Jing.”Officer Xiao spoke over the girl in an attempt to get through to her. “Now, would you like to know the exact details of what went down that night?”

So far Cheng Xiaoshi still hadn’t said a word, but he knew if he said anything he probably would fuck up some how and accidently announce he was the witness. Right before Mei Jing had came into the office, Officer Xiao asked Cheng Xiaoshi if he would like to keep his names out of the papers, and he agreed. In the long run it would be better for him, I mean who knows how many people would bug him if they knew it was him.

“How do you know the witness is telling the truth?”

“I know them personally and along with that I was the officer who was there that night.”

Mei Jing nodded, finally starting to accept that this was the truth and not some lame joke. “Please, can you tell me the details of what happened that night.”

“Alright. The witness woke up in the kitchen with both wrists and ankles tied to a chair, but due to what could have been either drugs or pain the witness passed out only a few moments later. The next time the witness woke up, they were then in the living room and well your brother raped the witness.”

Cheng Xiaoshi bit down on the inside of his lip, silently fidgeting with his hands under the table.

“He did what?!” The color drained from her face, “Is she- Is the witness okay?”

“Yes, the witness is okay now, they have been offered lots of support from the police force and several others.”

Mei Jing lightly sighed a bit more relieved, “Well that’s good, and uhm sorry you can continue.”

“The witness was then hanged shortly after and that’s when me and one of the witness’s friends arrived on the scene. The friend, he had got the witness down, but was soon shot. Then I myself shot at Li Jing.”

“Is the friend- Is he okay?”

“No, sadly he was shot three times and died shortly after due to the amount of blood loss and pain. Though your brother is alive and will make a fine recovery.”

Mei Jing nodded, as the room drifted into an uncomfortable silence.

Not long after the meeting ended, Mei Jing was allowed to go home.

Chapter Text

Cheng Xiaoshi stepped into officer Xiao’s office shortly after Mei Jing had left, “Hey I think somethings up with Qiao Ling.”

“Well what happened?” Li Xiao turned away from his paperwork, concern rising in his face.

“I’ve been calling her all day and no answer. Along with that she hasn’t visited me once for my birthday; which she normally does every year.”

Officer Xiao hummed along, before deciding what to do. “Well I could track her location, but it’ll just be her last known location from before when her phone went off.” Officer Xiao pulled out his phone dialing a number before calling it.

He spoke with the person on the other line for a few minutes before hanging up, “Okay a friend of mine is currently looking into it, but it's gonna take at least half an hour or so.”

Cheng Xiaoshi nodded before taking a seat beside the door. He pulled out his phone scrolling through some of his old photos, he stopped once he came across one of Lu Guang. He could hardly even breath as his eyes could move from Lu Guang’s eyes. The image of the older boy laying on the hardwood floor right beside him ran through his memory, the feeling of their hands intertwined. The sadness in Lu Guang’s eyes. Cheng Xiaoshi’s vision began to blur a bit as he turned off his phone. He couldn’t cry not again.

“Hey,” Officer Xiao shook Cheng Xiaoshi’s shoulder. “We’ve located Qiao Ling.”

It took a moment for the younger boy to snap out of his trance, “Wait really?” Cheng Xiaoshi practically jumped out of his seat at the news.

“It says she's at the photography studio.” Li Xiao showed him the live footage of her phone location.

“Huh? That doesn’t make sense..”

“Well are you gonna go see her or not?” Li Xiao almost chuckles, but he seemed to hold back on that.

-

Luckily Officer Xiao was willing to give Cheng Xiaoshi a ride back to his house, once he arrived he ran as fast as his legs would let him; barging right in into the studio, “Qiao Ling?! Are you here?” His breath was already uneven and worn out.

“Oh Cheng Xiaoshi, welcome back! I was wondering where you ran off to, I’m just about done preparing some food.” Qiao Ling smiled from the kitchen wearing the pink apron Lu Guang had picked out for her for her birthday.

Cheng Xiaoshi collapsed onto his knees trying to catch his breath, “I’ve been trying to call all day why haven’t you answered..”

“Oh yeah sorry about that, Lu Guang had told me to not answer a few days ago not to answer any calls on your birthday. He said he wanted to just hang out with you for your birthday this year.” Qiao Ling chuckled, clearly knowing the older boy’s intentions.

Cheng Xiaoshi was able to make his way over to the bar, not being able to find the right words. He had to tell her, but how could he do that when he couldn’t even manage to say Lu Gaung’s name. “Did he say anything about why he wanted it to be just me and him..”

“Did he seriously chicken out,” Qiao Ling sighed clearly annoyed. “Well sadly I cannot say, maybe if you’re so interested, you could ask him yourself.” A confident chuckle left his lips.

“I can’t-” Cheng Xiaoshi tried to get across the fact he couldn’t talk to him anymore no one could..

‘Oh yeah speaking of Lu Gunag where is he? Normally you two are inseparable.”

“He won’t be coming home tonight…” Cheng Xiaoshi tried to smile, but he couldn’t. He couldn’t feel anything at that.

“Huh? Wait, what do you mean?” Qiao Ling had finally just finished preparing the meal for the three of them.

“Lu Guang..He won’t be coming home anymore.”

“Cheng Xiaoshi, where is he? You can’t mean that right?” Qiao Ling tried to manage a nervous chuckle, but her throat felt like it was freezing.”

“He’s gone. Lu Guang is gone and he won’t- he can’t come back.”

The silence settled between them, neither of them daring to say another word.

Qiao Ling quietly made Cheng Xiaoshi’s plate before handing it to him, “Here, please eat something.”

She knew, Qiao Ling had already realized Cheng Xiaoshi hadn’t eaten anything since Lu Guang was gone. He had done the exact same thing after his parents disappeared, he refused to eat anything for days. She never understood why, but even so she would always be by his side to ensure he was gonna be okay.

-

The rest of the night the two didn’t talk much, they simply ate then Qiao Ling headed home. Leaving Cheng Xiaoshi home alone once again.

He was laying in his bed unable to fall asleep, he felt like if he did all his memories of Lu Guang would wash away forever. He tossed and turned for a while until his phone buzzed.

The light from his screen lit up his face. It was a message from an unsaved number, “Hey is Cheng Xiaoshi? It’s Mei JIng from the police station today. I was wondering if we could hang out? Oh and I got your number from Officer Xiao.”

“Mei Jing? Why is she texting me?” Cheng Xiaoshi mumbled to himself not wanting to be loud, even though there really was no one else in the room. “Yeah this is Cheng Xiaoshi and was there a reason you wanted to hang out?”

“Oh yeah sorry, I was thinking maybe we could go on a date, If that sounds nice to you?”

“Yeah sure, are you free tomorrow?” Cheng Xiaoshi wasn’t sure if going on a date was really the best idea, but maybe it could get his mind off things for a while.

“Yeah, does dinner at XXXX sound good?”

“Sure, at what time?”

“5pm alright?”

“Yeah.”

Cheng Xiaoshi shut off his phone with a small tingle in his chest, it was weird. It felt the same as a few days ago when him and Lu Guang were joking around and the older boy had accidentally pinned him to the couch. Cheng Xiaoshi chuckled at the thought.

-

It was now the next day the time edging toward the 5 o’clock mark. The place happened to be a small cafè, the name didn’t look familiar but it said it was only a block or so away.

He ended up having to wear one of Lu Guang’s shirts since all of his were dirty, and his usual one was bathed in blood. The overall outfit was nothing fancy, just a simple white button up and black slacks and of course now the necklace that will forever be glued onto his body.
It was a short walk, and the place was a small cafe and it looked like it was built rather recently. There was a big window with a flower bed attached with the name of the shop in big bubble letters written in cyan implanted on the glass door. It finally clicked into Cheng Xiaoshi’s head. This was the exact same cafe Lu Gunag and Qiao Ling had visited only a few weeks ago at most.

He walked inside to find Mei Jing already sitting in the booth closer to the window. Cheng Xiaoshi stepped over to the table greeting her with a smile, “Hey, you're here early.”

“Oh yeah I am,” The girl lightly chuckled before getting up from her seat, “Oh uhm can I hug you?”

“Oh yeah sure,” Cheng Xiaoshi slightly smiled. Mei JIng’s arms gently wrapped around him. I felt weird his stomach was turning in a way that made him feel nauseous. He wanted to push her off as his brain went fuzzy but instead he just froze.

“Well shall we go get some drinks and deserts,” Mei Jing intertwined her hand with Cheng Xioashi’s leading him over to the front counter. ‘

“I’ll have a vanilla bean boba,” Mei Jing stepped up first to order then she paid for her drink. “I’ll meet you back at the table!”

Cheng Xiaoshi stepped up to the register, "I'll have a pink lemonade and half black cherry boba.” He handed the cashier the money for the drink before heading back to the booth. He sat across from Mei Jing.

“So what did you order?”

“Pink lemonade with a black cherry mix,” Cheng Xiaoshi mumbled, still not quite understanding why this all felt so off. Before everything happened he would have been dying to go on a date, but now that he’s on one… Maybe it’s just because Mei Jing looks so much like her brother.

“Wow what an interesting combo, have you tried it before?”

“Uhm yeah the last time I came here I did.”

The cashier brought their drinks over to their table along with two straws and gave them a simple “have a good night" before returning back to her usual job. She was much less interested since Lu Gunag wasn’t present at the table like last time.

Mei Jing opened her straw poking it through her cup; “You were there when everything went down with my brother right?”

Cheng Xiaoshi was taken back by the question, “Yeah,” He paused for a moment. “I was.” His stomach began to churn again to the point he couldn’t even manage to take a sip of his drink.

“Then can you tell me more about what happened that night..” Mei Jing straightened up wanting to hear any details she could get.

It felt like bugs crawling across Cheng Xiaoshi’s arms with just the mention of Li Jing, It was the same feeling he felt that night. “Sorry, I uhm just didn’t happen to get there until after he was in handcuffs, so I don’t know many details besides the ones Officer Xiao went over yesterday.” A nervous chuckle fell through his lips. Trying not to show how uncomfortable the conversation was making him.

“Do you happen to at least know who the victim was?” Mei Jing’s voice slowly went quiet, “I’ve been wanting to at least apologize to her for Li Jing’s actions and see how she's doing and all.. I know it can be rough. Being in a situation like that.” Mei JIng continued to ramble on, her voice turning into mumbles as she went on.

“No, I wasn’t informed on the situation and even if I was aware of all the details I still wouldn’t be allowed to talk about it freely with civilians.” Cheng Xiaoshi’s voice was stern and had a hit of annoyance rub off. He was getting tired of all her questions, but at the same time she did have the right to want to talk about her own family, mainly after something like.

“What was that girl's name,” Mei hummed smirking as he pretended to be lost in thought. “Oh! That’s right, It’s Qiao Ling? Am I right?”

“What does she have to do with this?” Cheng Xiaoshi’s eyebrows pushed together the dials in his brain starting to turn.

“Was she the one? I mean I looked into that Lu Gunag guy and it turns out you were friends with him as well. Am I right?”

“Qiao Ling has nothing to do with any of this. And so what if I know who Lu Gunag is?”

“That means you probably know the victim personally and I bet it was Qiao Ling. I heard of her the last time I was on call with my mother, she told me of some girl who had reached out to her asking for photos of my Father.”

“Qiao Ling was looking into the case only because you asked her to, so I don’t get what you're saying. Yesterday you also mentioned you hadn’t spoken with anyone in your family for a while.”

Mei Jing smiles, “Well I actually got this cafe recommended to me by Qiao Ling.”

Chapter Text

“Qiao Ling? Wha- you’re not making any since.”

“Don’t you get it yet? I’m working with my mother and Li Jing.” A smirk formed onto her face, “All three of us were given a job to take out all three of you. Yet since the other two have failed I have to go and clean up the mess.”

Cheng Xiaoshi pushed himself out of the booth, stepping away from the table. “Who gave you these orders?” He was trying not to send himself into a panic; he needed to learn to control the situation. Don't let anyone in the public know what’s going on.

Except he didn’t notice there was a crowd that was already forming.

“I don’t know his name, he was a teacher or something I think. Some guy close to my mom that she had met at a baby shower or whatever. I believe he was the same guy who gave my mother the idea to kill my Zhao Jing.”

“A baby shower…” It couldn’t be, that was one of the photos he had entered that couldn’t be right, “The baby shower. Was it Wang Jing’s sister’s?” Cheng Xiaoshi thought about it trying to recall the girl's name. He remembers that Lu Gaung had told him, god he needed Lu Guang more than anything right now.

“Yeah it was Lau Yang’s baby shower. How did you-”

Cheng Xiaoshi cut her off, “The man. Was his name Cheng Weihem?” It couldn’t be right. There was no way.

“Actually yeah I think that was it! But how did you know?”

Cheng Xiaoshi wanted to run, just get out of the cafe. Be anywhere but here, but his body wouldn’t respond. He couldn’t move.

“Well whatever, the point was to ‘get rid of’ all three of you in whatever way we wished. In short, you're the only one left.”

“What? Didn’t you say all three of us? Then Qiao Ling-” Cheng Xiaoshi took a slight step backwards, there was no way…she couldn’t have.

“She’s dead and I killed her.”

It couldn’t be. He had seen her just yesterday. She was so bent up on cheering him up, when she was probably just upset as he was. Yet she was alive nonetheless. So how was Mei Jing sitting in front of him telling him the complete opposite.

Cheng Xiaoshi finally felt the feelings in his limbs return so he took that moment to bolt out of the building. He ran and ran until he could no longer feel his legs once again. He ended up in front of the studio unsure if he could even go in.

So instead he sat on the front porch leaning against the door. The three of them had painted this building, that was a day he remembered clearly. It’s also when Lu Gaung first began hanging out with them. Cheng Xiaoshi has gotten his first friend.

Growing up not many kids would have willingly chosen to hang out with him, not till Lu Gaung that was.

It was like he had discovered color for the first time.

Cheng Xiaoshi began to scroll through his photos of all of them together, hoping. Wishing. They really weren't gone and that this all was just a dream. More like a nightmare.

Maybe he was still sick in bed, as Lu Gaung cared for him, oh how he wished he could go back even if it was just for a moment.

He felt like he needed Lu Gunang more than he ever did while he was still here.

Cheng Xiaoshi stopped at one of the first photos they had taken together. He placed his phone in his lap. Slowly he moved his palms closer together. He knew Lu Gaung would be yelling at
him for what he was about to do. But he just couldn't do it. He can’t live in a black in white world, he knew he wouldn’t be able to bring himself to take care of himself properly and that scared him the most.

He closed his eyes preparing to clap his hands and go back to the beginning back to when everything started.

Cheng Xiaoshi took a deep breath, trying to prepare himself.

But he couldn’t do it.

He wasn’t sure he could live with himself knowing he disobeyed al the rules he and Lu Guang had made together. He still wasn’t sure if Lu Gunag had gone back that once, he never got the chance to ask him about it. But now at least Cheng Xiaoshi can understand why. Because he too almost decided to go down the same path. But rather instead maybe he just needed to live on, continue moving forward, he figures that’s what Lu Guang would have wanted him to do.

Maybe he’s just too scared to go back. Facing everything once again, unsure if he could even change the outcome or if he should.

It really made him wonder how many people would have chosen to go back, even just for a moment to see their loved ones. But god he wanted to see Lu Guang again, oh how he didn’t want his last memory of him being the one of him bleeding out right in front of him.

Cheng Xiaoshi wanted nothing more than to understand why Lu Guang’s death hurt him worse than his own sisters. He didn’t understand now, and maybe he never would. But it’s okay as long as he keeps moving forward as he made a promise to himself to never rely his ability again.