'Thank you to this gentleman for sharing a legend of Lunan's Pavilion with the children today! It was so captivating, and everyone loved it. Who knew this story would turn into an actual book too?'
Han stared at his phone, the post from a kindergarten page catching his eye. Curious, he tapped the video, the speaker filling the room with a familiar voice.
As he held his phone up, the background chatter from the set faded into nothing. His chest tightened, and for a fleeting second, the world stilled.
Then, Han smiled softly, ducking his head with a small shake.
"Going around telling our story now, aren't you sweet?" he murmured, amusement laced in his voice.
The video had cropped out the man's face, but Han didn't need to see it. That voice—warm, expressive, and unforgettable—hadn't changed, not even after thousands of years.
But the thought soon vanished with a call, "Mr. Yau, you're up in five!"
His makeup artists approached swiftly, making quick, final adjustments as he sat in the chair. The soft brush against his skin, the faint scent of setting spray—routine sensations he barely noticed anymore.
"Looking sharp," one of them said with a grin, stepping back.
Han gave a small nod, the villain role staring back at him.
"Has something been on your mind lately?" one of the makeup artists asked while removing a latex scar from Han's face.
The conversation caught the attention of the other cast members, and they quickly joined in.
"Yeah, it's surprising to see you smiling over the phone so much," one of them teased.
Han gave a small smile, offering only a hint of an answer. "You could say that. I just... can't wait to go back and see them."
The short reply was enough to spark excitement. The crew exchanged knowing grins—they had never heard of Han showing interest in anyone before. His life was known to revolve around work, his mother's arranged dates, and nothing more. But now, he was clearly attached to someone.
A female actor leaned in playfully. "Oh? Who's the lucky one? A Beta?"
"No, definitely an Omega," a Beta worker guessed.
Han sighed. "They're an Alpha."
The room buzzed with curiosity. Han, an Alpha himself, interested in another Alpha? That was rare—and thrilling.
Asra Jones, the lead actress, couldn't hide her surprise. "A female Alpha? That's pretty bold, considering you're already an Alpha."
Jun Jane, another cast member, chimed in. "Yeah, Alpha-Alpha relationships can get pretty intense. What made you fall for her?"
Han paused, his voice soft but certain. "I just like them."
The room fell into a brief, awkward silence. His answer was simple—too simple for their curiosity.
Hao Ling, a younger co-star, cut through the tension. "Are they strong?"
Han nodded, his expression relaxing as his makeup was finally wiped clean. "Strong. Beautiful. Smart. Kind."
That was all he said before leaving for his hotel, his character having no scenes left for the night.
Yet, the gossip only grew behind him.
"An Alpha?"
"Are they famous?"
"Rich?"
"Popular?"
No one guessed the truth.
—
Han stretched out on his hotel bed, his body sore from all the stunts he'd performed. The villain role demanded running, jumping, and fighting—a long day on set.
He grabbed his phone, sliding on his glasses in the dark. The familiar video appeared on the screen.
Jet's voice filled the room. Soft, warm, and playful as he told their story. The added sound effects for the children—little giggles, gasps, and wind chimes—only made it more charming.
Han's lips tugged into a smirk. 'You really know how to capture a crowd.'
His thumb paused on the screen. 'You caught me first,' he thought with amusement.
He lingered on the video a moment longer, his gaze softening at the children, so engrossed in the tale.
'I wonder how good you'd be as a dad.'
With a final glance, he turned off the phone and set his glasses aside. Tomorrow would be another long day of filming, but the thought of seeing Jet again made it easier to rest.
—
"Mum," Jet muttered. "I think there's something wrong with me."
It had only been a week since Han left for overseas, but it felt like a year. He couldn't believe himself—how did this even happen?
Von glanced at her son, her expression calm despite the concern in her eyes. It wasn't often Jet brought up personal matters, and this was only the fifth time he had.
"Remember Yau Han?" he asked, and she nodded.
"I've been seeing him a lot since our first meeting. It's been all over the place, but somehow, I've ended up spending so much time with him. And now..."
"Now?" Von raised a brow.
Jet scratched the back of his head, eyes shifting around the room. "Now he's overseas filming, and it's only been a week, but it feels like forever. I don't know... I don't want to bother him, either."
Von studied him for a second before a knowing chuckle escaped her lips. "Sounds like you've grown attached to him."
Jet blinked. "Excuse me?"
"You're excused," Von teased. "But what I'm saying is—you two are close now. That's all I'm getting at."
Jet huffed, unsure how to respond.
"Imagine Han's doing the same thing right now," Von added, grinning. "Talking to someone about how much he misses you."
Jet rolled his eyes, but a small smirk tugged at his lips. "Say whatever you want, Mum. I'm gonna prove you wrong."
Von's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Oh? You wanna challenge me? Fine. If something happens between you two, I'll cover the bill the next time we eat out."
Jet scoffed. "You're joking. No way you're paying all that."
"Then prove me wrong," Von said smugly. "If you two are just friends, you pay the bill."
Jet narrowed his eyes. "Fine. Deal."
Von tugged his cheek, laughing. "You're all grown up now, but I can't wait to see you lose."
—
"Flight 317 is departing. Flight 317 is departing."
Jet sat quietly on a metal bench, his jacket wrapped around him to keep out the cold. The day Han's crew was scheduled to fly back had finally arrived.
Han had sent him a few messages with his arrival time and terminal details. Knowing he'd be too exhausted to drive, Jet took a cab to the airport, which was farther than he could manage on his own. It was already past midnight, the sky outside pitch black, yet he sat there waiting—because, really, what else did he have to do?
A light tap on his shoulder.
Jet barely reacted, his head heavy with sleep as he slowly turned. His tired eyes struggled to focus—until a familiar scent hit him. That pheromone. The one that made him feel safe.
"You sleepy, my little Alpha?"
Han smiled softly through his mask. Jet's eyes snapped open, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten as he leaped up, throwing his arms around Han's neck.
"You—!" He hugged him tight.