"I know what you did," Yuhan said again, voice low and serious—until his face suddenly broke into a grin. "Where's all the food you packed? You think I didn't see you sitting with Wang Lai when I was on stage, sneaking snacks into your bag?"
"Ahhh, that." Li Hao let out a sigh of relief. "I already finished everything. I'm sorry," he said with a nervous smile.
"I have to go sleep. I'm meeting the agent tomorrow about the new store," Li Hao added quickly before dashing into his room.
Yuhan tried to call out, but the door shut. "Hmm. That's weird," he muttered, staring after him.
---
The next morning, Li Hao peeked into Yuhan's room and found him studying with his glasses on.
"Did you pull an all-nighter?" he asked.
"Yes. Work starts Monday—I have to get prepared," Yuhan said, removing his glasses to look at him.
"I'm already on my way. The place I'm checking out is actually close to your workplace. Maybe we can get lunch together everyday," Li Hao said with a small smile.
"Best of luck," Yuhan replied.
---
"The location of the store is quite good," Li Hao said later, walking beside the real estate agent. "Especially for a pharmacy. But is there any way to cut down on cost?"
"I agree, but there's nothing I can do—I'm just the agent," the man replied, raising his hands slightly.
Then, leaning closer, he whispered, "By the way, I didn't know you were opening a pharmacy. I might have a better option for you."
Li Hao tilted his head. "Better option?"
"There's a big pharmacy nearby that's looking for a new pharmacist. The last one almost ruined the place—nearly killed a client, and the owner's son fired him immediately, almost killing him too" the agent said.
Li Hao froze, listening quietly.
"Don't worry, you seem like a good man. The pharmacy was the owner's first achievement—her pride—before she became famous. Now she's gone, and her son wants to keep it running for her sake," the agent continued.
"The pay is good. And you won't have to worry about rent," he added as they reached the bus stop.
"Call me if you're interested. A lot of people are after the position."
Li Hao bowed slightly as the man got into a taxi and drove off.
---
The walk home was silent.
Li Hao's thoughts spun in circles. I've always wanted to run my own pharmacy… not work under someone. He sighed, kicking a pebble. He was so lost in thought he barely noticed the car that nearly brushed past him.
By the time he stopped walking, he found himself standing outside the gay bar he hadn't visited in months.
He entered quietly.
"Long time no see," the bartender greeted. "Your usual?"
"Yes," Li Hao replied with a faint smile, taking a seat.
Drink after drink, he kept going. The alcohol barely hit, but he wanted to feel something.
"If Mother were still alive…" he muttered, downing another cup.
"Why is my life so hard? How did I end up here?, how did I hit rock bottom?," he said crying, holding onto his chest.
He pushed away from the counter. "I'm going to the toilet," he said, voice slurred as he wiped his tears.
---
The corridor to the restroom was hazy with dim lights, perfume, and the sound of low laughter and moans. Men pressed against walls, kissing, touching, murmuring softly. The air was thick with scent—alpha and omega pheromones tangled together.
Then, a familiar scent hit Li Hao. His steps faltered.
"What… is that?" he whispered, shaking his head as he staggered.
He walked a few more steps—and froze.
Right in front of him, a man turned, kissing another. The face that came into view made Li Hao's heart stop.
"Wang Lai…" he breathed.
Without thinking—whether from alcohol or pure emotion—Li Hao strode forward and yanked them apart.
"Wang Lai!" he shouted again, this time voice trembling.
Wang Lai's eyes widened in shock, but Li Hao barely saw it through his tears.
He wasn't sure if it was anger, heartbreak, that burned most—but his vision blurred as the tears he thought he'd wiped away began to fall again.