Archive of Our Own

Lin Ling finally managed to leave work and was on the way home. He hated working overtime. His boss always gave him new assignments before clocking out. It was torture. 

He didn't even have time to eat properly. He didn't bring enough lunch and was now very hungry. His fridge at home was nearly empty as he didn't have time to get groceries. Hopefully, the convenience store near his flat would still be open for him to buy enough food and not die. That would be way too embarrassing.

Lin Ling was so lost in the clouds thinking about what to eat that he nearly missed his stop. What saved him was the announcement about the train station he was supposed to get off at. It brought him back to reality and he hustled to the closing door. Thankfully he made it out on time, without losing any of his limbs.

Now the only thing he needed to do was to buy food and he wouldn't feel hungry anymore. But instead he had thoughts of shedding his outer clothes and jumping into bed. His body was so sore after working the entire day. It deserved a proper rest. 

But then he heard loud voices. 

Someone was yelling. 

And not only one person.

A lot of voices could be heard screaming. 

"Damn, is it another gate outbreak?? Why am I so unlucky??" Lin Ling didn't know what to do. Go the other way, or maybe run? Call the emergency service? 

Running seemed to be the best option.

Maybe the espers were already notified and he didn't have to call. 

However, voices were also coming from where Lin Ling was heading towards. That wasn't a good sign. Like he thought, a moment later he noticed the monsters. And they were quite large and atrocious. 

"Just my luck…" Lin Ling mumbled under his breath. He hadn't even noticed that the people who were around him had run away. 

Suddenly, the building next to him made a loud cracking sound. Lin Ling slowly - terrified - turned his head towards it. The building was indeed gradually forming cracks.

"Don't tell me it's gonna fall on me. There is absolutely no way. Surely it won't happen, right??" Lin Ling desperately tried to deny the reality. "It will fall. It will definitely fall. And straight on my head. I'm standing right next to it, so that's what is going to happen. I will die. For sure." And he accepted the doom right after. "I need to run."

There was no other way. Lin Ling needed to escape this situation. He wanted to live, no matter how horrible and tiring his everyday life was. 

He started to run. His jacket came unbuttoned and was fluttering behind him - together with his tie. His bag was quite heavy and his things were cluttering against each other, rattling. He wasn't fit so he quickly ran out of breath. His loafers were not made for running and his feet really hurt. And then he tripped. 

His face, at first shocked, was then swept with fear. 

Someone had thrown an empty bottle onto the pavement and that was the reason he fell. 

He couldn't stop the fall. He tightly gripped his bag, not wanting his valuables to get lost, and closed his eyes. His whole life flashed before his eyes. 

'No!! I'm going to die!! I don't want to die–' 

However, he never hit the ground.

"Did I die before I even fell!?" he thought out loud, his eyes closed. "There is no way."

"Don't worry, you didn't die." It was the most ethereal voice he had ever heard. And it was claiming that he was alive? 

Lin Ling instantaneously opened his eyes to see a divine beauty looking at him. With such pristine white hair and clear sky blue eyes that looked out of this world. 

"No, I must have died to see such striking beauty." He shook his head. 

The other - wordlessly enchanting being - chuckled. 

"You aren't dead. You are very much alive like me. I just saved you from the falling building after you tripped." 

Only then Lin Ling noticed the warmth of another body touching him and realized he was held. While also in the air.

It made him hold onto that person's neck. He was terrified of falling and losing his life after being miraculously saved. No way, he wanted to survive, to keep living.

"Did you save me? Are you an esper??" Lin Ling couldn't help but ask.

…that was probably one of the most stupid questions the man who saved him had ever heard. 

The white-haired beauty once again laughed.

"Yes, I did save you and yes, I'm an esper. Do my answers satisfy you?" The man answered his questions in a slightly teasing tone. 

"Well… Yes…" Lin Ling mumbled - embarrassed. "Thank you for saving me. I owe you my life." 

"It's my duty to save the civilians. I'm honored to help those in need." The esper flashed him a dazzling smile.

Lin Ling felt as if his heart could stop beating at any moment.

"Well, I'm happy to be saved. You are drop-dead gorgeous." The words escaped him before he even analyzed what he had said.

The white-haired male face flashed an uneasy smile before it dissipated soon after. Only then Lin Ling had realized what he had spouted and his face turned red. 

"T-that's… Not… Sorry… I'm not trying to take advantage of you or anything! I don't even know who you are!! I-I just… You are just stunning, okay?! Everyone would be flustered having a beautiful man save them!!"

The man looked at him as if he was surprised while not showing anything in his eyes. 

"I didn't mean anything bad by saying that!" Lin Ling desperately tried to explain himself.

'I'm not a bad person, please believe me.'

"It's fine. I understand that it's an unusual situation. I hope you haven't hurt yourself anywhere. Please get checked by the medical staff after I drop you off at the emergency site. I need to get going to help others with the evacuation and fighting off the monsters."

Lin Ling once again remembered what kind of situation he was in at that exact moment. He was still clinging to the other man's neck while being probably more than five meters above the ground. Great. 

"Ahhh, sorry for taking your time. Please drop me off at the evacuation site."

"It's fine. It's my duty to take care of a civilian’s well-being."

"If you say so…" Lin Ling muttered.

"Now, please hold on tightly. I will try my best to - by all means - safely transport you to the emergency zone," the esper stated. "Also, keep your bag secure. There is a possibility you might lose it."

"Alright." Lin Ling nodded but then he caught on. "Wait, are we going to just fly into the zone?!"

On the esper's face was a slight smirk.

"Yes, now grab me closely,"

"Wait, wait, wait!! I'm not mentally prepared!!" Lin Ling frantically tried to stop him.

"No one is ever ready." The man’s voice had a teasing hint. "Now let us go."

It was just a flash, Lin Ling flew together with the esper while tightly holding the man's neck and his own bag like they were his lifeline. 

They flew so fast Lin Ling could have never prepared for it mentally.

'I guess he was right but still!! We could have started slower and given me time to prepare a little at least!! Ugh...'

Lin Ling wasn't sure what the speed was, but he wouldn't be surprised if it was the same as a racing car’s. His head felt so light. He was feeling nauseous. 

'Flying like this might be comfortable and enjoyable - but not at this speed!! WHAT IS THIS?!'

Suddenly, they slowed down. 

"It seems like we’re near. Prepare for landing."

"Now you give a warning!? WHAT WAS THAT? I nearly got a heart attack!! It would be your fault!! You would have to pay for my hospital fees!!"

The white haired man just smiled and looked at him as if he was stopping himself from laughing.

"But nothing happened. You are alive and unharmed. And you will be able to get checked on by the medical staff onsite soon." The esper winked. 

‘THE NERVE OF THIS GUY!’

But Lin Ling was blinded by his dazzling appearance. The guy might look gorgeous, but his personality didn't seem like it at all!

"Sure sure!! I will get checked! Just get me there safely," Lin Ling complied. Then suddenly, he heard his belly growling. 

"Damn! I forgot I was hungry from all of this… Will I still be able to get something from the convenience store…'

"It seems like someone hasn't had dinner yet," the esper said teasingly.

Lin Ling blushed and turned his head away after realizing he wasn't the only one who heard the noises.

"Not everyone has the luxury to eat their meals properly…" he mumbled under his breath. 

"I know," the esper said softly.

They didn't speak at all after that. 

Some time later they arrived at their destination.

"We are here." The man carefully made his way down.

When they made it to the ground, Lin Ling still clung onto the other's neck. However, he slowly released it.

"Put me down now. I will handle myself," he declared. 

"As you wish." The man gently placed Lin Ling on the ground. 

Finally Lin Ling was back on his own two feet. What a wonderful feeling. Lin Ling never thought he would miss standing on the ground so much. 

"I must get going now. I believe that you will find your way to the medical staff onward from here,” the esper said with a smile.

"Yes, I will manage." Lin Ling was an adult for crying out loud. He could absolutely find his way around. 

"Then I will depart. Goodbye." The white-haired man winked at Lin Ling and then flew away. 

Lin Ling just looked at him from the ground. 

'What a mess…'

"So… Now I need to find medical staff, get checked out, and after that get some food. Maybe someone from the medical team will share after I tell them I'm starving to death or just share when I can get something to eat… Ugh, I'm not paid enough to also suffer after work hours." Lin Ling pondered out loud. "Also I don't think I will be able to get home tonight. I will need to ask for government shelter or pay for a hotel room… Thankfully the new laws offer a free day from work after the area where your place of residence is located has been attacked. Now I have to find my way… And find out if I still have a home."

Lin Ling just wanted to cry after thinking about it all. He was already overwhelmed by the situation and now he needed to do everything he spoke of. Damn his life. Where is his peace?! Nonexistent probably. 

'I can't be pitying myself. I need to just do it all and then rest. I will think about it later.'

Lin Ling huffed. "…Time to find medical staff I guess."

Medical staff were easy enough to find. Nothing was wrong with Lin Ling, except the fact he hadn't eaten for several hours. Fortunately, immediately after hearing that, they provided him with food.  

He also asked if the area he lived in was evacuated and was told that the monster's attack hadn't reached that far and he could go home safely. Though he needed to go through a roundabout way to make it there.  

However, they told him he could get a refund for his transport back home, since it was all caused by the monster's attack. A really nice older lady helped him fill in all the necessary documents for him to be able to prove that. 

At least some of his problems were resolved. For now. 

He got home at around one a.m. He needed to wake up at least at six a.m. to get to work on time… Should he skip it? Take a sick leave? But he needed the money… He will have to go to work tomorrow and work like a zombie - or more accurately a person who barely got any sleep. 

Although, he was still kind of hungry. But eating so late was unhealthy and he was already in bed, too lazy to make himself anything. 

He wondered if the esper already dealt with the monsters and evacuation. 

BUT WHY WAS HE SUDDENLY THINKING OF THAT MAN?? DID HE GO CRAZY??? 

He was drop-dead gorgeous… Lin Ling didn't even mind the teasing, but he was still salty the esper didn't warn him about the speed. It was terrifying to be in the air and out of the blue - flying so fast he felt as if his heart was in his throat. Not a good feeling, 100% not recommended. And there was a possibility he could have fallen and died. He wasn't a fan of that. Ugh. Thinking about it just made him angry once again. 

Wait.

All of the sudden he realized that he didn't even know the esper's name.

'FUCK, I KNEW I FORGOT SOMETHING. I FORGOT TO ASK FOR HIS NAME OR EVEN TO INTRODUCE MYSELF. I'M SO STUPID!' Lin Ling yelled in his brain, not daring to wake up the neighbors by doing that out loud, and rolled in his bed with his face in his hands. 

The only thing he did out loud was growl…

"Ugh, I should have asked and now it's too late. I wanted to at least get to know his identity… What a shame. I should probably just go to sleep instead of overthinking what happened all over again."

However, instead of having a dreamless sleep that he had hoped for, Lin Ling dreamed about the esper. 

…

Lin Ling showed up to work anyway, he couldn't just skip working for a day when there wasn't even anything wrong with him. Sleep deprivation didn't matter, it's not like it was the first time he showed up to work after barely getting sleep. Bah, he worked a few times after not getting any sleep but let's not talk about those times, they weren't filled with good memories. 

He didn't feel that bad. He didn't even confuse salt with sugar this time and that was a success. 

However, he couldn't stop thinking about the white haired esper… The one he didn't even get the name of. Which was a shame. He wanted to know about it… 

Why???

Why did he want to know the name of the esper who theoretically saved him but also nearly caused him a heart-attack???

He should just work and stop thinking about this guy!! Ugh. Lin Ling wanted to bash his head against his desk to stop daydreaming about that menace to society who nearly killed him. Doesn't matter that esper made them land safe and sound. Not all. 

…He should really bash his head. Maybe that will stop him from spiralling back to think about yesterday. Constantly.

Suddenly, he felt his back being patted. Never before did he turn his head so fast only to lock eyes with his coworker who probably had the same startled expression as Lin Ling. 

After a moment of silence his colleague spoke. "Sorry, you just have been sitting here for a while, holding your head. I wanted to ask if you are okay, we were worried that something has happened to you." Only then Lin Ling noticed the rest of the office staring at him with visible concern. 

…How stupid he was to forget he was at work, in public space and he should put his feelings under control and focus on work. 

"I'm okay. Thank you for asking. I just haven't slept well, haha. My area was under a monster attack yesterday." 

The coworker standing in front of him gasped. "That must have been terrifying. I'm glad you are fine. Take it easy today, okay?" And then turned around to the rest of the employees who were still staring at them. "Let's all get back to work, shall we?"

Only then they all turned back to their computers to finish their own tasks. 

"I'm gonna get back to my station now. If you feel unwell, don't hesitate to ask for help." 

"Yes, thank you for the offer," Lin Ling replied with a smile and waited for the coworker to get back to her desk. 

 He turned back to his desk and looked at the black screen of his work laptop. 

'I should actually start working now. I need the pay.'

Lin Ling hasn't been able to focus on working at all. He kept daydreaming about the esper the whole day.

Was it the sign that he was going insane? He didn't know. 

Lin Ling never thought he was normal but he had never been so obsessed with someone. 

'Maybe it will stop tomorrow. Maybe I won't have these thoughts anymore and will calm down.'

No matter how rude the esper was he was still the beauty out of this world. 

Today was one of the rare days that Lin Ling actually left work on time. He was shocked but he needed to rest. He wasn't productive at all while daydreaming about esper's perfect white hair. And his perfect smile…

Stop!! No more daydreaming!!

…He was truly going insane.

Maybe it's the fact that the only thing he ate was breakfast and lunch which wasn't very nutritious (it wasn't like Lin Ling had a good diet anyway). He should eat a good dinner. He deserved it for surviving flight while being held by that esper yesterday. 

Stop!! He once again thought of… the day before. 

That's how he should call it before he gets more unwanted thoughts. 

He went to a bar near his house to eat. The food was delicious. After the meal he went straight home. Suddenly the exhaustion hit him and he fell asleep the moment his body met the bed. He shouldn't be sleeping in work clothes but he couldn't do anything about it now… He only hoped his dreams would be esperless. 

A few weeks went by and Lin Ling returned to his normal life completely. He hadn't encountered any more monster attacks since then. He also hadn't been following news about monster outbreaks (so his obsession wouldn't come back). He hadn't had to work overtime today so he decided to have time to actually do grocery shopping and cook himself a good meal for the weekend. 

Right now, he was picking out vegetables needed for the dish he was planning to prepare. He couldn't decide which one looked better, he already gathered most of the ingredients but he still had few he had to collect. He should also buy some more rice while he was at it… He nearly forgot about it. He didn't know why he was so scatterbrained lately. Maybe he should go to a doctor to get a prescription for his insomnia. He hadn't scheduled an appointment for a few months already. 

Suddenly, a loud noise started to echo around the shop. A blaring alarm was warning everyone of the monster attack. 

Lin Ling nearly dropped his cart. 

'No way it is happening again. Is it a joke? Am I so unlucky that I'm experiencing another monster attack? It hasn't even been a year!!'

Usually citizens experience a monster outbreak every few months but Lin Ling wasn't that lucky. 

'I can't believe it's happening again so soon.'

He momentarily froze, not believing that was his fate. 

People around him were panicking and running in every direction. 

Lin Ling gripped his cart tightly, giving up his vegetable selection and just packed two, and decided to hide somewhere in the store and wait till the end of the attack.

Unexpectedly, a loud crash could be heard coming from the entrance.

"Don't tell me that a monster broke in?? Just my luck." Lin Ling wanted to cry. Would today be his end??

Panicking, he started running while still holding his cart in a death grip. He took time to choose all ideal ingredients, he didn't want to waste it again while picking new ones. 

…But would they even let him buy it? He wasn't sure if the cash register hadn’t already been destroyed by the monster. 

'Just my damned luck.'

However, it was clearly not the time to think about the logistics of buying from a shop that was being destroyed in real time. 

He looked back trying to find out which direction the monster chose to go. 

However, it was a mistake from his side. He didn't take into account that turning his head back would make him vulnerable to threats that laid ahead of him. And that was exactly what caused him to slip in the next moment. 

He yelped when he felt his leg trip on some hard unknown object. 

Just. His. Damned. Luck.

There was no way that this time there would be an esper to save him. He would fall down, all his groceries would scatter around and monsters would get him. He didn't even have time to finish his life bucket list. He never even kissed anyone-!

He closed his eyes, still tightly gripping his cart. 

But the fall never came. 

He felt someone grabbing him by his waist while suspended mid-air. 

'Don't tell me it's happening again. There is absolutely no way-'

"It's you again. Long time no see." 

It was that divine teasing voice again. Lin Ling couldn't believe his ears. Was it even real? His eyes were still closed. 

"You didn't die again this time either. You are very alive, so don't worry."

Only then Lin Ling opened his eyes. The only thing he saw was the floor of the shop. 

'Am I hallucinating?' he wondered.

"So that's your theory this time? I don't think you are hallucinating, I'm very real, you see." 

OH SHIT, DID LIN LING SAY IT OUT-LOUD. He should just stop thinking. Think about the floor he was staring at now and the situation he was in… That also wasn't good though!

"Could you put me down? This position isn't really comfortable to talk in." In the end he addressed the esper. 

"So you finally speak to me directly?" the Esper asked while he gently lowered Lin Ling so he could stand on his own. And stood behind the office worker.

Lin Ling turned around to see for himself if he truly wasn't hallucinating. 

The Esper was genuinely standing in front of him. However, this time he was dressed in casual clothing as if he had been shopping himself like Lin Ling.

"Yes, I'm sorry for my reaction," Lin Ling apologized, feeling embarrassed which showed on his face. His face was slowly getting redder. (And the reason why it happened totally wasn't because he was once again looking at the man haunting his dreams)

He couldn't keep his eyes focused on the esper so he turned to stare at the floor.

He heard a chuckle. 

"I didn't expect to see you again but that's a lucky coincidence, don't you think so?" 

Only then Lin Ling raised his eyes again. The white-haired man was smiling at him. The blush on Lin Ling's face spread even further 

"Y-yes. Yes, it is. Thank you for saving me again."

"You are welcome. I'm glad to see you," the Esper said with a wink. Lin Ling wanted to just get out before his whole body turned red. 

Why was he having that reaction now??? His body should listen to him and stop getting flustered. It was just an annoying jerk who nearly dropped him, nothing important. Ugh.

"Although, I need to ask…" the esper spoke and paused his sentence. 

"Y-yes? What do you need to ask about?"

"Why are you holding that cart?"

Only then Lin Ling realized he was still holding his groceries.

"These are my groceries. I need those ingredients to prepare dinner." 

"Were you planning to steal them?" 

WHAT. Why was the esper asking that?? Lin Ling wasn't a thief!!!

"WHAT?? WHO DO YOU THINK I AM?? I was planning to pay for those!!"

"I just wonder how… there is no cashier who would serve you at the cash register."

Lin Ling's brain malfunctioned. 

"…Does it mean I can't buy them?? What am i supposed to eat for dinner then?? I was planning to finally eat something healthy and that's what's happening to me?? What the hell."

Esper just stared at Lin Ling getting mad. And laughed. Not any kind of laughter. It was full blown wheezing. He had tears in his eyes. And was holding his knees.

"What are you laughing at?? Eating is a serious matter!!"

It made the man laugh even harder. It took him a moment to calm down while Lin Ling kept eyeing him with judgment in his eyes. 

"I think you are the only person who worries about buying groceries in a shop which is under monster attack."

"…" Lin Ling was at a loss for words.

The Esper just chuckled at his reaction. 

"Let me just get you to the evacuation zone. If you wait for me, I will buy you dinner at Flower Coast."

Lin Ling recognized this name. That bar was located in his neighborhood. 

"Why are you offering??" Lin Ling was just a civilian after all. They weren't even close, he didn't even know the guy's name!!

"You were the one complaining about the food. I'm just offering you a way out. Don't you want to get a free meal? I will pay."

Who was Lin Ling to refuse a free meal? Did he forget his roots?? Absolutely not. Free meals were a way of survival and the esper's salary was probably 10 times higher than Lin Ling's. 

"…Fine, I will accept." 

"Great, let's meet there at 8 pm. As I said, I will pay," the Esper said with a wink. "Now put that cart down and let's get out of here to evacuate. I need to do my job after all. "

"You are the one who was slacking off and talking to me!!"

"You didn't enjoy our conversation? I'm hurt," the Esper said in a fake hurt voice. "Though I should actually get going. I won't leave you, of course. Just put down the groceries and let's get out of here." 

As soon as he said there could be heard a loud sound of something falling down. 

That definitely wasn't good in Lin Ling's opinion. He quickly put down the cart and looked expectantly at white-haired man.

"Let's get out of here."

"Of course. Let me pick you up and I will carry you out safely." 

"…et's not do the princess carry this time."

"Why? It's the safest option to fly and we don't have time," the Esper denied Lin Ling's request. He should have known that he would be humiliated like that again.

"Fine, just let's get over this quickly."

The Esper came over to Lin Ling and picked him up like he did last time. 

"Let's get out of here now. And don't forget our dinner." And he got up in the air and sped up just like the last time. 

Lin Ling didn't complain about the flight. He was just keeping his eyes closed and gripping the esper's neck so tightly as if he was about to fall. He didn't know if he would accidentally fall down so it was a precaution. Totally not him being scared. However, he trusted the esper enough not to kill him (that's why he wasn't screaming his complaints out-loud). 

Thankfully, they smoothly exited the shop and found the evacuation site. After they arrived, the esper immediately put Lin Ling down. 

"This time I won't stay here for long. I need to help with evacuation and defeat the monster quickly if I wanna make it to the bar on time." The esper winked. "Let's see each other soon, bye!"

And with that he flew away. 

Lin Ling just stood there dumbfounded. He didn't even manage to say bye to the man. Well, they would hopefully see each other again soon. Lin Ling had time to prepare. 

Suddenly, he realized. 

'I didn't ask for his name again! I wanted to ask the next time we met… I will ask tonight. It will no longer be a secret haunting me.'

Lin Ling could as well search about the esper but… He didn't want to learn what others think of the esper but from the man himself. He knew that facts are often portrayed as a color opposites from what they actually are by the media. He wanted to give the esper the chance for a fresh start. He totally wasn't smitten with the esper. No, no, no.

Lin Ling went to get checked out by the stuff on site to confirm that nothing happened to him and he was alive and well. He returned home to get changed and get himself together before the meeting. The place was close to his flat so he didn't need to worry about being late.

He picked nicer clothes to dress into. He couldn't believe the esper saw him in his extremely casual wear that he wore only for shopping. His old hoodie and sweatpants weren’t something he was proud to wear around. And esper had seen him in that. Disgraceful. 

The walk to the bar wasn't long. Lin Ling knew his neighborhood quite well and didn't have to use the map to get there. After he got to the location he picked a table and decided to wait for esper to order anything, he didn't want to rush when the man who invited him wasn't even there. 

He was a little before 8 pm so he patiently waited. 

And waited.

It was 8 pm and the esper was nowhere in sight. 

And then 5 minutes went by. 

10 minutes.

15 minutes.

And the esper still wasn't here. 

Lin Ling started getting worried. He was sitting at the table alone. He regretted not getting the esper's number to check on him. Did something happen to him? Did he get injured? Lin Ling didn't know.

He decided to wait another 10 minutes and if esper didn't show up then… Lin Ling would just swallow the bitter feeling of getting stood up and eat alone. 

Although… He should check the news, maybe the esper was really hurt and there was Lin Ling just shaming the man inside his head. He slapped his cheeks. 

'Get yourself together, don't overthink.'

Lin Ling checked for news about the monster outbreaks near his neighborhood. There was news about one near the shop. According to the article he found the attack had already ended and no one got seriously hurt. A couple of civilians like himself got harmed but with no serious injuries and all the espers and guides who took part in suppressing the outbreak didn't get hurt at all.

So the esper didn't get hurt. That was a relief. But why wasn't he coming? 

Did he forget? He was the one who reminded Lin Ling of the meeting before they got separated. 

Lin Ling was… he started feeling upset. 

'I guess meeting with a stupid civilian wasn't that important to him.'

He knew he shouldn't have gotten his hopes up when it came to the awakened. They were living in a completely different world than normal humans. 

'I'm just a little disappointed. He didn't seem like someone who would do such a thing but I know nothing about him at all. My intuition could be wrong as well.' 

Lin Ling put his head in his hands. And sighed. 

'I should have known…'

Suddenly Lin Ling felt a tap on his hand. He quickly put his hands down and looked up, spooked. 

He saw the esper staring at him from above. Lin Ling's eyes widened and the esper smiled at him. 

"Hi, sorry for being late. I had to do the report and they just pestered me with pointless questions. Thankfully, I'm here now." After saying that he did his typical wink. 

Lin Ling just stared at him, his mouth wide open. The Esper just kept looking at him with a smile. However, he changed his outfit, Lin Ling only recognized him by the voice and white hair peeking out of the bucket hat he was wearing. He also put on glasses and a scarf. Was he trying to hide? Was he ashamed of meeting Lin Ling??

"Are you a stalker? Why are you dressed like that?" Lin Ling blurted out. And put a hand over his mouth after realizing what he had said. 

The Esper just stared at him dumbfounded and then started to laugh. 

"No one would say that to my face. You are so adorable, do you know that?"

He just insulted the man and got called adorable?? What was wrong with the esper??? Did he actually get hurt… especially in the head?? 

"What's wrong with you? Who says that to the person who insulted you?? Well not on purpose but still said something offending!! You should respect yourself!!"

This caused the esper to start an even more intense fit of laughter. He had to cling on the chair to stay upright. Lin Ling wasn't aware what was even funny about his words.

"Why are you laughing? I haven't even said anything funny!" Lin Ling added. 

This made white-haired man laugh even more. 

"Nothing, nothing. Sorry. It's just refreshing to meet with someone outside of work. It gets exhausting to deal with those inhuman people everyday."

Lin Ling didn't know anything about the awakened relationships so he just nodded. 

"Though, don't stand like this. Come, sit down and order. I was waiting for you to order." Lin Ling hurried the man. He was just so hungry and wanted to devour a meal soon.

The esper sat down and looked at the menu and then at Lin Ling.

"Fine, let's order. Do you remember that I'm paying?"

"Well yes…" 

"That's great. Let me spoil you." The esper chuckled and Lin Ling blushed at his words. 

Then he called out for the waiter. 

"Waiter!! "

They both quickly ordered. 

When the waiter left them alone once again they stayed in silence for a moment. 

"How-"

"What-"

They both started at the same time. 

Esper laughed. "Go ahead."

"No, you were first. You go ahead," Lin Ling rebutted. It was embarrassing that he spoke at the same time as the esper. 

"I won't say anything until you tell me what you wanted to ask first." The man was as stubborn as Lin Ling. Though maybe even more since Lin Ling gave up.

"Fine. I just wanted to ask what's your name… we never introduced each other. I'm Lin Ling by the way."

Esper looked at him shocked, he even dramatically lowered his glasses and stared at Lin Ling. 

"You don't know who I'm? Do you watch the news??" Lin Ling blushed

"I don't keep up with the awakened news, okay?? I don't care as long as I'm safe! Ugh." he yelled, flustered. 

"It's okay. I just thought my name was a common thing to know. It seems that isn’t exactly true but that's refreshing." The esper chuckled. "If everyone knew me…" 

The Esper paused in the middle of the sentence, it was barely audible but Lin Ling still managed to hear it.

"Anyway, my name is Nice. Nice to meet you, Lin Ling," he said teasingly with a wink. Lin Ling was swooning inside. 

'How is he so charming even with that ugly hat on?? Being so attractive should be illegal. To jail with him!!'

Some of his feelings must have shown on his face because Nice asked, "Can't get enough of me? That's why you are staring so intensely?" 

"N-no! Not at all!! You must have confused it with something else."

"Maybe. But I'm not sure. I have my doubts." Nice paused. " I have a strong feeling that you were admiring me." 

"No!! I wasn't!!" Lin Ling looked down, he was completely embarrassing himself. 

"Sure~" Nice said with disbelief evident in his voice. 

They talked a little after that until the waiter came with their food. Lin Ling devoured his meal at the speed of light, he was so hungry he could eat a horse. The food was very delicious, he loved eating at this restaurant for that reason. However, it was a little more expensive but the taste was worth it. Everything melted in his mouth. He was so happy he could eat there today.

Nice also seemed to like the food, he was smiling while eating. And peeking glances at Lin Ling that he purposely ignored even though he kept feeling the esper staring at him so often. 

"Did you like it?" Lin Ling asked after they both finished their meals.

"Yes, it was my first time in this restaurant so I didn't know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised at the taste."

"That's good!! It's one of my favorite restaurants. I thought you proposed to eat here because you also frequent it like me sometimes." 

"No, no. I just wanted to try it out and it certainly didn't disappoint. Now I want to eat here again."

"Yes!! Let's go together next time!!" Lin Ling got excited. Maybe from now on he wouldn't have to eat dinner alone all the time… 

However, he realized that he shouted without asking Nice for his opinion.

"If you don't mind of course!! I'm sorry for shouting earlier. I'm just excited to dine with someone…" Lin Ling blushed and looked at Nice cautiously from under his bangs. 

"Sure, I don't mind. I like your presence. Let's keep meeting more from now on~" Nice once again winked. 

'What's with this man and winking? My heart will explode at that fan service. Ugh.'

"I-I also liked it, your company. I enjoyed my time with you."

What was with this man and trying to make Lin Ling explode?? He should be ashamed!! 

"I'm glad it wasn't one-sided. Let's keep seeing each other, Lin Ling~," The way he spoke Lin Ling's name was so intimate. Lin Ling wasn't prepared, his face was surely bright red after hearing all those compliments.

"Yeah!! Though, it's so late I need to get home soon. Sorry to cut our meeting short haha." Lin Ling laughed nervously.

"Don't worry about it, let me call the waiter and treat you. I promised, of course." 

"Waiter!!" Nice called. 

After the staff came he immediately paid for himself and Lin Ling. After that they left the dishes behind and exited the restaurant. Nice had put a mask on. Lin Ling supposed that it was to make sure no one would recognize him.

"Which way are you heading?" Nice asked him. 

"Right there." Lin Ling showed him the way. 

"What a coincidence, I'm also heading that way. Let's walk back together until we have to part ways." 

"Sure, I appreciate it," Lin Ling agreed. He was so tired that he didn't know what else to say. The dinner with the esper made him relax and all the pressure he had been under seemed to disappear. 

They started walking. It was quiet.

Lin Ling decided to break the silence.

"I forgot to do this earlier but thank you for saving me. I would probably be hurt or even dead if it wasn't for you. " 

He felt Nice's eyes on him. Lin Ling was looking ahead, he was too embarrassed to face the esper properly. 

"Like I told you, it's nothing. It's my job to save people. That's what it is… but seeing you I couldn't help but fly to save you. You are really unique, Lin Ling. I normally don't act like this toward other people. Consider yourself special~"

Lin Ling turned to look at the esper. Even though his tone was nonchalant he could feel vulnerability beneath it. 

"I guess so, you keep saving me after all." Lin Ling decided to tell a joke back. He was sure esper didn't want to show off his vulnerability so he pretended not to notice. 

Nice chuckled. 

It seemed like he made esper laugh a lot. Was Nice normally like this or did he act like that only around Lin Ling?

Lin Ling hoped it was the first option because his heart would explode if it was the second one.

They were getting closer to the building Lin Ling lived in. And they weren't separating.

Lin Ling looked at Nice, pondering. 'What kind of coincidence would be if we lived in the same building? Or worse, what if we were neighbors? It's unbelievable, right? There is absolutely no way that's the case.'

"Do you live close by? We've been going in the same direction since we left the restaurant." He was genuinely curious and wanted to get rid of his doubts. 

"Actually yes. I assume you also live here in this area."

"Yeah, in fact I live in the building ahead of us." He really hoped Nice lived in another building. It would be so awkward if they resided under the same number. 

Nice looked at him, eyes widened in surprise.

…No way.

Did he jinx himself?

"I can't believe it. I also live there. What a coincidence, huh?"

…Lin Ling jinxed himself. He shouldn't have been thinking about it at all, maybe then the esper would miraculously reside somewhere different. 

"Haha, what a coincidence." He really hoped it would end like this and the other part wouldn't come true. 

Together they entered the building and headed towards the elevator. 

"Which floor are you getting off on?" Nice asked Lin Ling since he was standing close to the buttons. 

"The 5th." 

Nice, please live on another floor. Please.

“...” Nice stared at him. “It seems that we live on the same floor.” 

Inside his head Lin Ling was screaming. How the hell did it happen? Why was he suffering like this?? He didn't want Nice to think he was stalking him. All their meetings were suspicious and the fact they lived in the same neighborhood, same building, same floor was even more questionable. 

Wait.

Was Nice his new neighbor? 

The one who recently moved and was living literally next to him.

No, no, no. It can't be happening.

Wait… Maybe Nice was the one stalking him. But why would an esper stalk a harmless civilian? It was absurd.

Okay, so no one is stalking each other. It's just my anxiety. Calm down, Lin Ling. AND GET YOURSELF TOGETHER, DAMNIT.

Lin Ling leaned against the elevator's wall. The imaginary tears were falling on his face.

‘I wanna go home and forget about it. The esper I definitely do not have a crush on absolutely isn't my neighbor.’

What Lin Ling didn't notice because he was so lost in his worries was that Nice was looking at him the whole time, smiling at the man's internal conflict. 

‘He's so cute. I want to eat him up,’ the esper thought with admiration. He was at first naturally suspicious of the civilian but how could someone whose emotions were an open book even hide something.

‘His reactions are so adorable. No one has ever been so open with me like this.’

They both heard that the elevator had stopped. They finally reached the 5th floor. 

 They both looked at each other, standing frozen in place while the elevator door opened. 

"You go first–" They both thought the same thing. There was no escape. Someone had to get off first. 

"Go first, I will follow." Nice made the first move. Maybe he wasn't aware they lived literally next to each other. 

Lin Ling just wanted to curse his luck or more like the lack of it.

The door started to close again because no one was moving. 

Impulsively, Lin Ling got off first leaving Nice behind in the elevator. And he paused.

"Are you going? Hurry up."

"Yes, yes." Nice just smiled amiably. 

They both went in the same direction. Lin Ling was just trying to escape to his flat as fast as he could. 

Then he stopped in front of his flat to look for keys in his pocket. Nice was just standing behind him like a lost puppy. 

Lin Ling finally found his key and began to unlock his door. Nice still hadn’t moved. What was his deal?? Did he want to invite himself to Lin Ling's flat?? He wouldn't be let in anyway… Lin Ling didn't have time to properly clean and it wasn't a space to invite people into at this moment. It could be soon. Probably after this weekend. But definitely not now.

"What are you waiting for?" Lin Ling finally asked, wanting to break the quiet tension surrounding them. 

"…" Nice was quiet, smiling. Until the smile disappeared and a hint of pout appeared on his face. "We hadn't even bid farewell and you are already going away." 

LIN LING, WHERE ARE YOUR MANNERS?? HOW COULD YOU FORGET SUCH A BASIC HUMAN THING?? TO SAY GOODBYE?? HOW DUMB ARE YOU?? YOU SHOULD GO TO DIAGNOSE YOURSELF WITH DEMENTIA BY HOW YOU FORGET SUCH SIMPLE STUFF LIKE SAYING GOODBYE OR ASKING FOR NAME…

Lin Ling shook his head and slapped his cheeks. It was his punishment for not being a decent human being. 

"Sorry, I have trouble remembering simple things. Of course, we need to say farewell. Please don't dislike me. Will we still meet again?? I'm so sorry. I don't know why it keeps happening." It was very visible Lin Ling was panicking by spiralling into saying more. He was staring at the floor, not looking at the man standing in front of him. 

The esper started to walk towards him. Lin Ling just curled up more to himself.

'What is he going to say… I hope he won't be angry at me.' 

The man stopped. 

Suddenly Lin Ling felt a hand touching his hair. And then moving.

He was being patted. 

How did it come to be?? Why was the esper… just patting him??

"Wait, what are you doing?? Why are you patting me??" Lin Ling abruptly raised his head, only to meet the esper's sky blue eyes. 

Nice just chuckled at Lin Ling's questions, still keeping his hand where it had been. 

"Do you feel better now?"

"…Yes," Lin Ling answered honestly. 

"That's good. Besides, I wouldn't hate you for something so minor. I just wanted to hear goodbye from you."

"Well you can hear it now. Goodbye," Lin Ling shyly murmured. He should just contain his feelings inside and not embarrass himself like that in front of the man he… He didn't even know what his exact feelings were and he wasn't about to have another crisis in front of the "cause". He had shame, at least he believed he did. 

"Goodbye!! I also have a feeling we will keep meeting more from now since I'm your next door neighbor. What a coincidence, isn't it?" Nice flashed him a dazzling smile and stepped back. "Let's keep seeing each other more frequently from now on. I'm looking forward to it." 

And with a wink the esper took his keys out and opened the door of the flat next door, he swiftly entered his home leaving Lin Ling entirely stunned.

Like the esper said or rather prophetized they kept meeting each other, very often at that. They also often saw each other while shopping in the same grocery store that the monster attack happened. Nice kept reminding Lin Ling constantly how he didn't want to leave his cart behind. Everytime it happened, Lin Ling got extremely flustered. Though the teasing got worse over the time they spent with each other. Nice seemed to enjoy making Lin Ling blush a lot but the man being teased didn't consent for that affectionate harassment. 

After talking and meeting with each other (a lot at that) naturally they grew closer. Lin Ling at first was thoroughly cleaning his flat before Nice even came over but after many times the esper visited him without a notice he gave up. Nice didn't even seem to mind the mess. 

However, Nice's apartment was pristine unlike the disorder that was Lin Ling's own. It was also only a little bigger than Lin Ling's. 

He wasn't sure what Nice's reputation and rank was but he must have been richer than Lin Ling, so why was he living in such a tiny apartment? That was a question bothering the office worker but he didn't dare to ask that, he was sure Nice had his own reasons for that and he didn't want to violate the esper's privacy.

That was why he also wasn't searching for news related to the esper. He wanted to get to know Nice as he was, no matter how stupid it sounded. He wanted their relationship- Ahem, friendship to be completely genuine, without being disrupted by fake media posts.

Did the esper know he was completely clueless about his reputation online? He wasn't sure.

Getting back to the apartment, they kept spending more time in each other's homes. More frequently in Lin Ling's. Nice's excuse for intruding in the office worker's flat on a nearly daily basis was that it was cozier than his own. Which might have been true… Nice's apartment was practically bare. Pristine, clean - but also bare. Lin Ling guessed that it didn't feel like "home" at all, so that was why he didn't complain a lot about the esper kidnapping his couch and laying there while Lin Ling cooked. 

Hah.

Lin Ling actually started to cook more often because of Nice. When he found out what Nice was having for dinner after accidentally opening his fridge and finding it full of noodle cups… He decided it was enough and took it in his own hands. 

And yes, he was a hypocrite. He also had a similar diet but his job didn't require him flying around the city saving people and fighting monsters!! Nice's did and his diet wasn't suitable for the work he was doing. 

It was a beneficial deal for both Lin Ling and Nice. Lin Ling's stamina, complexion and overall health got better thanks to eating home-cooked meals nearly everyday cooked by yours truly (exceptions were when Nice took Lin Ling to eat out in a bar, café or even once a fancy restaurant). Of course, he also got better at cooking, it was an inevitable outcome.

Nice naturally provided all ingredients with his esper salary (damn that rich bastard) and his health also got better. When Lin Ling was cooking he often watched from the sofa lazing around like a cat. He often helped but sometimes he was just so tired that Lin Ling let him off and ushered him to rest on the couch. Nice always praised Lin Ling's meals as it was a food sent from heaven (it obviously wasn't). 

While in Lin Ling's apartment they ate, in Nice's they watched movies. How could they not when the man had a home cinema!! It would be a waste. Lin Ling hadn't watched so many movies ever before. He was always excited to enjoy them with the man. They watched all genres of movies, from horror to romances. Though, it seemed like only Lin Ling was invested while watching them… Nice was suspiciously staring at him with wonder in his eyes every time Lin Ling switched from looking at the screen to share a comment about the thing they were watching.

That's how several months went by, Lin Ling didn't even realize that the esper had become such a significant part of his life over the time. It was surprising and he still didn't know how it even happened. Awakeners and civilians lived in completely different worlds but but on the contrary, Nice's and Lin Ling's world became entangled with each other. 

Was it still two worlds? Or did they start to merge into one?

He didn't know about Nice but Lin Ling constantly kept getting reminded or thinking about the esper. It could be just little things like seeing a dessert in a shop that Nice liked or even walking around and thinking that the man would like this area. Once he nearly bought a cup with a white cat with blue eyes that looked suspiciously like Nice. However, one time he really bought a blanket, which was quite warm and soft for Nice to cover himself up while he laid on the couch. 

These days, they had been using the blanket to cover themselves up while watching movies at Nice's place. It was caused by the fact that miraculously all the blankets the esper had owned,disappeared. Lin Ling didn't want to question that and he absolutely didn't want to know the answer.

That wasn't the only time Nice hid something from him. Like the fact he was a S-Rank Esper. Lin Ling hadn't imagined that he would be so speechless and shocked as he was at that moment. It was unbelievable. He had a feeling Nice was high ranked but he didn't think that Nice would be one of the top 10 espers in the country!! 

There were only 10 S-Rank Espers and Lin Ling knew that… However, he never supposed he would be even able to meet one, let alone have them lie on his couch and nap. 

At first he was quite mad at esper for not telling him that first but after realizing he could have just searched it up he accepted that fact. He knew Nice before he even found this out and it didn't change who he was. Just added a little bit. A bit that made Lin Ling a little flustered but he managed to get over it with time. 

Although, after some time it just made Lin Ling feel proud at knowing he was not only neighbors but probably friends with S-Rank Esper. It was guaranteed safety in case of an accident or monster outbreak.

Lin Ling had been on his way to work when it happened. There was another monster attack in his neighborhood. He just wanted to get to work on time but it seemed to be impossible in the situation he was currently in. Who would have thought this time the attack would affect his job, or rather his means of getting there. Cause there was no way he could even get there, not even thinking about being late. Damn it all. Can't monsters choose another day to attack?? Does it have to be this exact Monday?? He was already sleep deprived from binge watching his favorite drama the night before with Nice... and now this happened.

He wondered if the esper got enough sleep. Was he taking part in dealing with the outbreak this time? Despite the fact Nice was an S-Rank esper, the highest rank possible, Lin Ling couldn't help but worry. He knew the man for several months and he thought they had a genuine connection, that they were friends. Who wouldn't worry about their friends getting hurt? Certainly not Lin Ling. He was very worried. 

He hoped the esper wouldn't get hurt while saving civilians like himself. It was a genuine concern, he knew that despite his uncaring demeanor Nice deeply cared.

Suddenly, he heard a rumble behind him.

Shit.

Was it a monster??

He quickly turned his head around. It was indeed a monster, quite big one at that. Lin Ling never thought he would see such horrendous things in real life. The monster looked as if the mad scientist had put him together and made a new Frankenstein. No part of his body was matching, it all looked glued together and nearly falling apart. 

Lin Ling just froze, he didn't know how to run anymore. His bag slipped from his hands and hit the ground. This monstrosity scared him like no other. He had never seen such a thing, even on the news. 

He closed his eyes awaiting his demise because his legs just couldn't move!!

He heard a loud bang. 

His eyes immediately shot up open.

Pure white hair and sky blue eyes graced his sight. It was Nice!! Nice to have saved him once again!!

The esper turned to look at him the very next moment. 

"It seems that I'm saving you once again. What a coincidence," he said that while flashing his usual dazzling smile at Lin Ling. 

Lin Ling just grinned back to the esper relieved. 

"Thank you. This time I really thought it would be my end."

"It will never be your end with me around. I will always be there to save you." The esper winked. The civilian just chuckled at that. He loved the esper’s shameless side. 

"I guess so. But I don't plan to get into danger anymore," Lin Ling stated. "At least not when I can help it."

"And yet you got into one right now…" 

"I couldn't help that one!! My legs literally froze."

"Hmm… Sure."

"Don't tease me anymore!!"

While continuing their playful banter, both the esper and the civilian hadn't noticed the monster slowly getting up, ready to strike again. One punch, even with Nice's extreme strength as an awakener, didn't seem to be enough to defeat it. 

Shortly after it launched an attack on Nice. The esper didn't have time to dodge. Lin Ling could only stare at the situation happening in front of him. He was completely powerless.

Though did he have to be like this… Nice was laying unconsciously on the ground after being stricken by the monster. How could the monster be so powerful to knock out a S-Rank esper like this…

Lin Ling was trembling, looking at Nice's fallen body. He should… He didn't know what he should really do. Call for an emergency? Run to esper?? His thoughts were a mess. His body was just frozen in place. 

Could he even do anything? He never felt more useless than in that exact moment.

'Do something!! Damn it. Why can't I move?! I should… I should save him… after he saved me so many times. He isn't just a stranger to me. He is… someone who saved me twice. Wait, thrice now. He is also… my neighbor, someone who I share dinner with, someone who keeps stealing my couch, someone who I let into my life and I can't get enough of him. Are we even friends? Nice and me… He is closer to me than any friend could ever be. But now… I don't want to overthink that. I don't want to put a label on us we won't be both comfortable with. All I want and need to do now… I will save him. I will save Nice.'

The internal monologue helped Lin Ling gather his courage and move his body up. The monster was slow because of its big size. And wasn't even looking into Lin Ling's direction. Or Nice. Maybe it thought that it had already defeated the esper? Lin Ling genuinely hoped so. 

He carefully moved his body up, fear no longer freezing him. The only thing he wanted to do was to save Nice. Nothing else mattered, not even his precious bag.

He rushed as fast as possible, meaning slowly, in the esper direction. The monster didn't seem to notice him. Good. 

'Don't look back. Don't listen to me. Just move away.'

The monster slowly moved away, destroying more buildings on his way. The only sound it made was of its destruction. What was it even?? Its appearance seemed so unreal. Was it truly as it seemed made by some mad scientist? No way. No, no, no. If that was the case then maybe Lin Ling should start betting or a career as a fortune teller. Prophetizing unfortunate future events. No one would even become his customer that way.

He managed to get closer to Nice without any issues. There was blood seeping from his head, making his white hair red but the Esper didn't seem badly hurt. He was an S-Rank esper after all, they all had a natural healing factor which wasn't very strong, it couldn't heal a broken bone in a few seconds but it didn’t allow espers to suffer from life threatening injuries caused by physical impacts. Still Lin Ling made sure that Nice was breathing. He wasn't a medical worker but he could at least check that one thing.

However, as Lin Ling leaned closer to the esper, Nice eyes fluttered open. He looked at Lin Ling with a dazed expression and gave him a slight smile.

"You are here…" he managed to say. 

"Of course I am. You can't be the only one doing the saving gig. I also need to prove myself," Lin Ling said in a slightly teasing tone. The situation around them was serious but he wanted to soothe the esper’s worries by showing him that nothing happened to Lin Ling. 

"Don't steal my job from me," Nice chuckled. 

" Sure, sure," Lin Ling answered sarcastically. "We should get out here first before we talk. It's not a good place for chatting. Especially not after what happened a moment ago."

Nice just nodded. Lin Ling smiled at that.

"We seem to be on the same page so… I will carry you. How does it sound?" 

"I can still use my abilities. You don't have to carry me." While he said that Nice lifted his body off the ground. However, he couldn't keep that state for long. 

He frowned. His whole body seemed to be in pain. 

"Are you alright??" Lin Ling nearly shouted.

"I can't believe I'm in such a state. Overusing my self-healing factor had put me in a rampant state. It never happened before… The state I'm in must have been caused by the monster. I need to report this anomaly. I also need a guide- I need to call Moon," Nice went into a fervent state. He quickly grabbed the wristband and called. "It's Nice. Guide needed ASAP, high probability of a rampage. State caused by an anomaly. Please send reinforcements."

After that Nice laid his head down to the ground once again. 

Lin Ling worryingly looked at the esper. He had to do something, even a minor thing, to help.

"We need to get out of here soon. We don't know if that thing won't get to us again."

"I can't use my abilities, how can we even move like this." The esper just shook his head.

"I can carry you!! It's better than just sitting here and doing nothing while risking our lives." Lin Ling was not going to back down.

"I… Okay, fine. You can carry me," A blush spread on Nice's face as soon as he said those words.

'So he was just embarrassed. I never expected he would get so shy. Adorable.' 

Lin Ling tried not to grin at his win.

"Can you try to use your ability to get on top of me? I will give you a piggyback." 

"If it's only for that I can try." 

"Great!!"

Lin Ling crouched next to Nice in position, ready to lift the esper up. 

Nice floated himself up to land on Lin Ling's who grabbed his legs while Nice tightly grasped his neck. 

Lin Ling stood up. Nice wasn't as heavy as he thought.

"Let's go then!!" Lin Ling said as he started to walk away from the area. 

"Let's go this way. It seems the safest." Nice pointed out with his finger. 

Lin Ling listened to him and turned to move that way. 

They kept walking in silence for the same time until Nice broke it. 

"You know? I never thought anyone would carry me like this. It's certainly unexpected but I don't mind it that much. Maybe because it's you." 

It was Lin Ling's time to get flustered. 

"I'm sure you would be fine with anyone carrying you. It's not that special." He tried to refute esper's earlier statement. 

"I don't think so," Nice said in a calm tone. "I also don't normally carry people I save in a princess carry. You are one of few exceptions."

"WHAT?" It surprised and flustered Lin Ling even more. "What do you mean?"

"What I'm trying to say… You are special to me, A-Ling." 

Lin Ling didn't know what to say. He didn't expect to hear such words while carrying the esper through the rumbles, trying to evacuate. 

"I never met anyone like you. It had been unexpected to meet someone who didn't know about my reputation but it was certainly refreshing. I haven't been able to breathe for some time, suffocated by expectations placed on me. Then you have appeared. You didn't expect anything from me. It didn't matter to you who I truly was, you cared for me regardless. We just have been enjoying our time together, stuck in our small world as neighbors. I never thought I would meet anyone who would make me effortlessly fall for them. And that person is you, A-Ling."

Wait.

Wait, wait, wait. 

What had just happened??

What did he mean by that??

"What are you saying?? What is the reason?? What do your words even mean??" Lin Ling was confused. He couldn't wrap his head around what Nice had just said. His brain stopped thinking. It became blank. 404 error.

Nice leaned his head closer to Lin Ling's shoulder. And whispered to the civilian's ear.

"I meant that… I love you, A-Ling. It was my confession." Lin Ling's ears instantly turned red. His brain malfunctioned. 

"WHAT?!" He couldn't hold it in. It was so unbelievable. Especially in that exact moment. 

"Do you not feel the same?" Nice voice seemed unsure. "I only said that because I thought we were on the same page… That our feelings for each other were the same. I thought you were reciprocating my feelings for you and I could make the first move. If you don't then I-"

Lin Ling didn't allow Nice to finish that sentence. 

"No!! That wasn't what I meant. I was… I'm just surprised. I didn't expect- Ah… I thought I was the only one who liked you!! I didn't know you liked me!!" Lin Ling was so flustered by the whole situation. He was so embarrassed. The esper just confessed to him and what he was doing?? Denying it. Even after the man repeated it twice. "I wasn't sure what we are lately… Were we friends? Were we neighbors? Were you just my savior? So many things to describe our relationship but which one was the most true. I wasn't sure. I guess being together as one isn't too bad. I think I liked you for a while. I just couldn't fully describe how I feel. I never really loved anyone romantically. I didn't know how to describe this feeling I had for you. You are a very important presence in my life. I-I don't want to destroy what we have now."

He had done it. He spoke his mind. He only hoped Nice wouldn't hate it, his most bare self. 

"It's not a destruction, it's a move forward, to shape our relationship for the better. We won't shatter, we will grow. And we can do that together. I want to be able to kiss you, A-Ling. I want to hug you, I want to go on dates with you, I want to spoil you by bringing you flowers and taking you out to expensive restaurants. I want us to travel together and see the world. But I also want us to just sit together on a couch and watch movies. I want to cook together with you. I want us to support each other through everything." Nice paused. "But just being together is most significant to me. I love your presence, A-Ling. That's how my feelings for you are. "

Nice fully leaned on Lin Ling's shoulder. 

Lin Ling just knew the man had been fully blushing, just like himself. 

"I guess I have no other choice but to accept." He grinned." Because I have the same feelings for you, Nice.”