Let's Restart..? [Macaque x Monkey king]

19: Precious Cargo

Wukong's POV

I can't say I wasn't a little disappointed when Macaque suggested that everyone come along to the picnic... I had been looking forward to spending some quality time with him. Just the two of us, no interruptions, no masks. But hey, a little bonding with the group couldn't hurt, right? At least that's what I told myself.

Still, the thought of catching him alone lingered in my mind. So, as soon as I had the chance, I slipped away from the others and made my way to his dojo.

"Macaque? Bud? You in here?" I called out as I stepped into the shadowy room. I let my eyes wander, taking in the faint glow of enchanted objects and the organized chaos of his belongings.

That's when I saw it—a strange, blue compass sitting on his desk.

Curiosity buzzed in my chest. It looked... important. Ancient, even. The kind of thing you don't just leave lying around. I reached out to pick it up, but before I could even lift it—

"What are you doing?"

His voice cut through the silence like a blade, making me jump. I turned to see him standing in the doorway, his silhouette sharp against the light. His purple eyes gleamed with something I couldn't quite place—anger, fear, maybe both.

"Whoa, relax! I was just looking," I said, raising my hands.

He was across the room in a blink, snatching the compass from my hand. His grip on it was almost protective, like it was something precious.

"I'd appreciate it if you didn't touch my things," he said coldly, "or show up unannounced."

I frowned. "Alright, alright. Sorry. I didn't think it'd be such a big deal."

He didn't respond immediately, just stared at the compass. For a moment, I thought he was going to explain, but instead, he sighed and tossed it into one of his shadow portals.

"Is something wrong?" I asked, taking a cautious step closer.

"No I'm just... excited for the picnic, that's all," he said, forcing a smile. It was the fakest smile I'd ever seen.

"You don't look excited," I pressed.

He rolled his eyes and threw on an exaggerated grin. "Oh, Great Sage Equal to Heaven! I'm thrilled! What an honor it is to have you barging into my life!"

I sighed, crossing my arms. "You don't have to be so... you about it."

He scoffed. "I've heard that one before. Maybe we've been spending too much time together?"

I frowned, his words hitting a little too close to home. "If I did something wrong, just tell me."

His expression softened for a moment, but then he shook his head. "It's not you. Look, I'll talk to you at the picnic, alright? Now's just... not a great time."

Something about the way he said it left me uneasy, but I nodded. "Alright. See you later, bud."

"Wait," he called out just as I turned to leave.

I stopped, looking back at him.

"Monkey Cop," he said. "You like that show, right? Wanna watch it later..?"

"Sure, I guess..?" I said, confused.

Before I could say more, he stepped closer and pulled me into a hug. It wasn't a casual, friendly hug—It was tight. Desperate.

"Macaque? You alright?" I asked, my voice low.

"I want us to be cool again," he murmured. "Like we used to be."