Later that night, Muchen was pacing around his living room, his phone clutched tightly in his hand. Yunfeng hadn't replied to him in hours—no texts, no calls, nothing. It wasn't like him. Not at all. Muchen's chest felt tight, like someone was squeezing his heart, and that familiar sting in his stomach was back, gnawing at him. He kept checking his phone, hoping for something, anything.
And then, finally, a text came through. But it wasn't what he expected.
'War is coming. Cities are going to be bombed. Leave the city and go somewhere safe. Prepare enough food for months and stay indoors. Prepare medicine and other things for survival.'
Muchen's breath hitched. His fingers trembled as he stared at the screen. What the hell was this? His mind raced, panic bubbling up in his throat. He tried calling Yunfeng immediately, but all he got was that infuriating busy tone. Again and again. No answer.
"Yunfeng, what the hell is going on?" he muttered under his breath, his voice shaky. He texted back, his fingers flying over the screen.
'Yunfeng, is everything okay? What do you mean war?'
No reply.
'Yunfeng, you can tell me anything. I'll help you. Just talk to me.'
Still nothing.
Muchen's anxiety spiraled. He kept texting, every hour, like clockwork, but all his messages stayed unread. His heart pounded so loudly he could hear it in his ears, and that stabbing pain in his stomach grew worse. He slumped back on the sofa, groaning, clutching his phone like a lifeline.
"Those damn fans must've told him some crazy shit," he cursed under his breath, rubbing his aching belly. "Yunfeng, where are you?"
"Shao! Shao!" Muchen called out, his voice cracking.
His best friend, Shao, who was crashing at his place, stumbled into the room, rubbing his tired eyes. "One more word, and I'm cutting all ties with you. Do you know what time it is?"
"Read this," Muchen said, shoving his phone into Shao's hands.
Shao frowned, squinting at the screen. "Wow, you sound desperate."
"Not mine! Yunfeng's!" Muchen snapped, his voice rising.
Shao's expression shifted as he read the text. His frown deepened. "Okay… this is… weird. He must've seen the news or something. Maybe he freaked out."
"What news?" Muchen sat up straight, his eyes wide.
Without a word, Shao grabbed the remote and flipped on the TV, switching to the news channel.
'Breaking news: Country A is preparing to counterattack. Our sources indicate an imminent strike could happen at any moment. Citizens are advised to avoid crowded areas and stay alert.'
Muchen let out a sarcastic laugh, but it sounded hollow, even to him. "They're just bluffing. No one's actually going to start a war. Right?"
Shao sat down next to him, nudging him over to make room. "We don't control other countries, do we?"
The news anchor continued, 'In other news, a man in City A attacked his best friend over a personal dispute. Paramedics are on the scene…'
Shao muted the TV and turned to Muchen. "Look, Yunfeng probably saw this and got scared. He's just worried about you. That's all."
"Then why isn't he replying?" Muchen pouted, hugging his favorite plushie tightly. His voice was small, almost childlike.
"Maybe he's asleep?" Shao suggested, though he didn't sound convinced.
"The calls aren't going through," Muchen said, his voice breaking.
Shao's frown deepened. He grabbed Muchen's phone and tried calling Yunfeng himself. Same result—busy tone. "Maybe his phone died. You know how he is. He probably forgot to charge it."
That made Muchen smile a little, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Yeah… yeah, you're right. I'll call him tomorrow. I want to redo our date. No rollercoasters this time. Just a casual drive." He giggled softly, leaning back against the sofa. "Shao," he called out after a moment.
"Hmm?"
"You should try dating."
Shao raised an eyebrow. "What brought this on?"
Muchen hugged the plushie closer, a small, wistful smile on his face. "Being loved feels good. I want you to feel that too."
Shao rolled his eyes. "I'm too busy with work."
"I'm your boss. I don't overwork you."
"You made me work overtime last weekend."
Muchen winced. "Sorry about that. I'll try not to disturb you again."
"Don't worry about it. Just give me a fat check, and I'll work anytime," Shao said with a smirk, heading to the fridge. He came back with two beers and handed one to Muchen.
"Thanks," Muchen said, cracking it open. But the smell hit him, and he gagged slightly. He set it down on the table. "I'm serious, though. You should put yourself out there. It's nice having someone who cares about you."
"Not everyone's as lucky as you, with your cute Yunfeng," Shao teased.
Muchen scoffed. "I know you were eyeing that Jai kid. Don't think I didn't notice."
Shao froze mid-sip, then quickly tried to play it cool. "Tsk, that rich brat scared me half to death. Who's eyeing him? I was just admiring his wallet."
"Totally… I totally believe you," Muchen said, smirking.
"Shut up and get some sleep," Shao said, smacking Muchen lightly on the back of the head before walking away.
"Good night," Muchen called after him, his voice softer now. He headed to bed, clutching his phone, hoping tomorrow would bring better news.
The next morning, Muchen woke up with a small, hopeful smile. He reached for his phone, but his heart sank when he saw the empty notification bar. No replies. No missed calls. Nothing. He checked the text again, his stomach churning, and tried calling Yunfeng once more. Still nothing.
Without a second thought, he threw on some clothes and rushed to Yunfeng's place. His hands were shaking as he knocked on the door. "Yunfeng! Yunfeng, it's me!"
No answer.
He knocked again, louder this time. "Yunfeng, please! Open the door!"
Still nothing.
Muchen started pacing, his anxiety skyrocketing. He peered up at the windows, calling out again. "Yunfeng!"
A neighbor poked his head out, looking annoyed. "What's all this noise so early in the morning?"
"I—I'm sorry," Muchen stammered, lowering his head to avoid being recognized. "I'm just looking for Yunfeng. Have you seen him?"
The neighbor's expression softened slightly. "Oh, that kid? He and his family left in a hurry last night."
Muchen's heart dropped. "Did they say where they were going?"
The neighbor scratched his head. "Nah, they just took off. Didn't say a word. Honestly, I don't blame them. Every night, some girls come by and vandalize their place. It's a mess."
Muchen's breath came in short, panicked gasps. His vision blurred for a moment, and he stumbled, clutching his head. "D-did they say when they'd be back?"
The neighbor shrugged. "If I were them, I wouldn't come back." With that, he went back inside, leaving Muchen standing there, frozen.
Muchen's world spun. His legs gave out, and he slumped against the wall, his mind racing. Yunfeng was gone. Just like that. No explanation, no warning. Nothing.
And for the first time in a long time, Muchen felt completely, utterly alone.