WORTHLESS (BL)

There was Fire

Fire. 

Jian Yu watched the fire from a distance, looking at the thick gray smoke billowing into the skies. The once shining glow the full moon casted was now shielded by a veil of darkness as the smoke swallowed up the whole sky. 

Fortunately, the fire wasn't huge. 

But the entire situation had ended up in a total chaos. When the chefs working in the kitchen burst out of their workplace coughing. 

One guest screamed 'Fire!' and everyone was sent into panic. As though the situation was not bad enough, the sound of explosions could be heard from the second floor. Windows cracked and splintered all over the place. 

Shrieks of terror rose among the guests, everyone scrambled out to the only exit of the ballroom. Jian Yu had rushed to find Lady Clement, only to find that she and Lord Zero standing in front, watching the fire greedily engulfing a room from the second floor from outside. 

The air smelt of burning, acrid, chemical infused and choking. His eyes moved from face to face in the crowd gathered around the fountain, coughing as if trying to get the smoke out of their system. 

Jian Yu shrugged off his black tailcoat and covered Lady Clement with it. He sighed. How could something like this happen during such a blessed celebration?  

This would be a talk in the town for at least a year. 

He looked back at all the waiters and guards of the Roderick Family trying to extinguish the fire. Nausea clawed at his throat and he forced the bile down. His face was white and started sweating cold bullets.

Jian Yu harshly gulped down and thumped his chest when it failed to take in the right amount of air. A hand clamping down on his shoulder made him jump in fright. 

"Is brother okay?" Rei's worried face appeared in front of him. 

"Y--yes, I am fine," Jian Yu forced out, his chest was heaving up and down heavily. 

"Do you… perhaps…" Rei started out hesitantly. 

"Huh?" 

"Ah, no, nevermind," Rei shook his head. "It's not worth remembering anyway." 

He whispered softly. Taking out a handkerchief, he wiped Jian Yu's sweaty face. 

"Here," He handed it to Jian Yu. "I will go back with Inspector Han. Please get home safely, brother." 

Rei patted Jian Yu's shoulder before leaving and Jian Yu watched them from afar. He smiled when Inspector Han waved wildly at him and wanted to rush over but was held back by Rei. 

Not far behind, Jian Yu noticed Lord Roderick and Zeke whispering with frowns on their faces. And as if sensing being looked at, Zeke turned and their eyes met. 

Jian Yu flushed in embarrassment and ducked his head. It didn't help when he noticed Zeke making his way towards him. 

"Hey," Zeke greeted him, smiling brightly. 

"Hey," Jian Yu responded. He took in Zeke's appearance. Underneath those black smudges on his face and ruffled clothes, he looked amazing as ever. 

"I apologize, the party has to end this way," Zeke rubbed the back of his neck. 

'I don't even get a dance with you,' Zeke thought sulkily. 

Jian Yu chuckled. "I hope everyone's fine." 

While they were chattering and laughing, Derek watched from a distance.