January 14. That was when your favorite band’s newest single was released and when you managed to snag tickets for their concert and fan-signing. The tickets sold out in the blink of an eye—with one refresh of your tab, they were gone.

In the days leading up to the event, you prepared meticulously. You picked out your best outfit, packed every piece of merch you wanted signed—posters, albums, and even a limited-edition photobook—and double-checked everything. On the ride to the venue, during your wait, and while the concert went on, you kept checking on your merch to make sure you wouldn’t accidentally leave it somewhere.

The concert was a blur of lights, music, and adrenaline. As soon as it was over, all of the band’s fans lined up for the fanmeet and signing. Your heart was pounding in anticipation at hearing the others who were lucky enough to go up first squeal with excitement when they exchanged words with the members. Li Tianchen was up first, then Li Tianxi, and then Liu Xiao.

As you waited, you managed to befriend a fangirl behind you who was crazy about Li Tianxi and had learned sign language just to be able to communicate with her. She showed you a photo of her room, an elaborate shrine dedicated to Tianxi. It was lined up with posters and merchandise featuring her. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and for a while, you forgot your nervousness.

But then it was your turn.

Li Tianchen looked up at you expectantly from across the long table when the boy before you moved on to Tianxi. You reached into your bag to pull out your poster—but your hand met empty space. A cold realization washed over you: your bag had been unzipped. Your merch was gone. Stolen.

Your face burned as you met Tianchen’s gaze. He raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “What, you didn’t come prepared? Didn’t you know this is a signing event?” he quipped, his tone laced with mockery. A beat passed before he gave you the slightest smirk and uncapped his marker, leaning forward. “Or,” he drawled slyly, “did you want me to sign you?”