Shao gripped the steering wheel tightly, his jaw clenched as he navigated through the relentless rush-hour traffic. The amusement park was a good hour away, and the endless sea of brake lights wasn't helping his mood. He couldn't believe he was doing this—driving all the way back just to babysit his boss, who had apparently overestimated his ability to handle roller coasters. When he finally pulled into the parking lot, he sprinted toward the bathrooms near the sushi stall, his shoes slapping against the pavement.
"Chen? Chen…." he called out softly, his voice barely audible over the distant hum of carnival music and children's laughter. He scanned the row of closed stalls, his frown deepening with each passing second.
"Here…" A weak groan echoed from one of the stalls.
Shao stopped in front of the closed door, crossing his arms. "If you can't handle rides, you should've just said so. Why'd you have to play the macho man and end up like this? Puking your guts out in a public bathroom?"
"I was trying to impress him, okay?" Muchen's voice was muffled, tinged with both embarrassment and discomfort. "And for the record, I've been on thousands of roller coasters. None of them ever did this to me."
"Open the door," he demanded, his tone firm.
"No," Muchen whispered resolutely.
Shao's eye twitched. "It's the weekend, and you made me drive all the way here to chaperone your little date. I'm not in the mood for this. Open. The. Door."
"I'm your boss!" Muchen shot back, his voice rising slightly before another retching sound cut him off.
He gritted his teeth so hard he was surprised they didn't crack. "Please open the door, boss," he said through clenched teeth, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
The door remained shut, followed by another round of retching. Shao sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Fine. Stay in there. I'll get some meds from the infirmary."
The amusement park nurse handed him a small packet of anti-nausea pills, and Shao hurried back to the bathroom. By now, a few other men had wandered in, minding their own business. Shao knocked on the stall door. "Do you want me to throw these in, or are you going to let me in?"
"No…" The door creaked open just a crack.
Shao didn't wait for an invitation. He shoved the door open and stepped inside, ignoring Muchen's protests.
"Hey! What the hell? I told you to stay out!" Muchen hissed, his face pale and sweaty.
"Nope," Shao replied, popping the 'p' as he crouched down to assess the situation.
"But I'm the boss!"
"And right now, you're a mess," Shao shot back, his tone softening slightly. "Are you okay now?" He handed Muchen a clean handkerchief.
"I think so…" Muchen mumbled, clutching his stomach. The sharp pain had subsided, leaving behind a dull ache. He accepted the handkerchief and wiped his face, his hands trembling slightly.
Shao sighed, helping him wipe the sweat from his forehead. "We should get you checked out. I've never seen you like this."
"It's just the roller coaster," Muchen muttered, leaning back against the stall wall. "And that smell… God, I hate sushi."
His eyebrows shot up. "But you love sushi."
"Not anymore. It reeks." Muchen grimaced, his face twisting in disgust. "I… I just want something spicy… sour… maybe some chilled pickled cucumbers. That's all I can think about."
He stared at him, a mix of concern and amusement flickering in his eyes. "Yes, pregnant aunty, I'll get you some," he mumbled under his breath as he helped Muchen to his feet.
Muchen shot him a glare, but it lacked its usual intensity. "I heard that."
"Oh, I'm so scared," Shao deadpanned, opening the stall door and guiding Muchen to the sink. "Wash your face. I'll get you your precious pickled cucumbers."
"Spicy ones," Muchen grumbled, splashing water on his face.
"Fine, spicy pickled cucumbers," He replied, rolling his eyes. He helped Muchen put on his mask and hat, then led him out of the bathroom and toward the car. Muchen slumped into the passenger seat, his energy completely drained.
"God, your car smells good," Muchen mumbled, inhaling deeply. The faint lemony fragrance reminded him of Yunfeng's perfume, and for a moment, he felt a little better.
Shao frowned, glancing at the empty burger wrappers and soda cans littering the floor. His car smelled like fast food and regret. "Okay, you weirdo. Let's get you home," he said, starting the engine and driving carefully to avoid jostling his nauseous passenger.
"Did Yunfeng get home safe?" Muchen asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Yeah," Shao replied, his tone softening. "He happily skipped back to his place. You should've seen him—completely oblivious to your suffering."
Muchen managed a weak smile. "Good… This was supposed to be our date. I ruined it."
"You can have another one anytime you want," Shao said, his voice surprisingly gentle. "Yunfeng's crazy about you. He's not going anywhere."
Muchen's grin returned, though it was still a shadow of its usual self. "Yeah, I can go with my boyfriend anytime I want." He pulled out his phone and sent a quick message to Yunfeng, but there was no reply. "Maybe he's asleep. Shao, drive me to his place. I want to see him."
Shao raised an eyebrow. "You reek of puke and regret. I think you should definitely go see him looking like this."
Muchen grimaced. "Fine, take me home." He turned to Shao, his expression softening. "Thank you."
Shao grinned, the tension finally easing. "I know. You better give me a raise."
"And a bonus," Muchen added, a hint of his usual mischief returning.
"Deal," Shao said, chuckling as he turned the car toward Muchen's apartment.