You and a crowd of other fans were waiting outside, eager to get into the event your favorite band was holding. But, of course, the universe had other plans—right as the doors were set to open, you felt a sudden urge to piss. Holding it in wasn’t an option. Missing even a second of the event would ruin the experience, but so would suffering through it uncomfortably. So, you made a quick stop at the restroom.

It was mostly empty, and rather than dragging your belongings inside, you left them just outside the stall. You’d only be a minute—what was the worst that could happen?

Apparently, a lot. When you came back out, your things were still there… mostly. The essentials were untouched, but your precious merch? Gone. You should’ve known better. Some of the band’s more rabid fans couldn’t be trusted. Hoping it would turn up later was wishful thinking, but even as the event wrapped up and people started clearing out, you stayed behind, scanning the area just in case.

You were so focused on searching that the sudden tap on your shoulder nearly made you jump out of your skin. You spun around too fast and bumped straight into the culprit, who let out a small chuckle and stepped back to give you space. “Heh, sorry. Looking for something?”

You knew that voice. Looking up only confirmed it—Cheng Xiaoshi was standing right in front of you, as if it were just another day. Your brain short-circuited for a moment, but he didn’t seem to mind. Instead, he just grinned and held something up. “Or are you looking for me?” It was your missing merch. Or, more specifically, your photo cards of him.

“Someone handed it to security,” he said, all too pleased with himself. Then, with that same stupid grin, he reached out and poked your cheek. “Looks like I’m your favorite, huh? Can’t say I’m surprised. I am ridiculously handsome and talented. And cool. Oh, and let’s not forget that I’m good at cooking and basketball.”