Relationship Status: It's Complicated

A Short Respite

(Art by SerinityAInferno, Characters: Sega and Valas)

"Remember, no one bring up the rifts. Naki has definitely had enough of it."

Li Jun looked up at Bai Yusheng, nodding wisely, his brown hair bouncing. "Agreed. He was okay until his dad gave him to Sega. He was definitely texting the group chat with colorful phrases. Then the media coverage happened and I don't think we've heard from him for two days." 

Kisho was to Li Jun's left, an amused smile on his youthful face. "I almost sent over a wellness check to make sure Sega didn't glitch and forget he really likes Naki. But then Li Jun said Valas stayed over the last few days, and I bet he found the right entertainment for both he and Valas." He playfully pat Khalko's  stomach. "Are you coming with us, or hanging with Aiden and Saalah?"

"Hmm, I'm undecided," his handsome, slightly stoic face turned up in thought, "I haven't had much interaction with Valas outside of giving him tickets and citations. At this point I have ones already ready with his name."

Xiu Ying chuckled from beside Li Jun. "Valas does find his way into all sorts of reports. His boredom is mounting, and he's too keen to be left to his own devices unentertained. Li Jun and I discovered he's quite animated when he wants to be."

"Valas is hilarious and actually good natured! He just has a few habits to curb is all." Li Jun confirmed. 

Bai Yusheng smiled happily up at Saalah, the two sharing a thoughtful look. So Li Jun and Xiu Ying had befriended the miscreant? It was no wonder Valas was eager to come and visit.

A large, dark red SUV came rolling to a stop, its shiny exterior decked out with obvious customizations, the top tied down with a trunk and some bags. The vehicle wasn't one they recognized, but it was an all terrain type car and the license plate indicated it belonged to Yusiel. Sure enough a body came bounding out of the back seat, Naki's body too small to step out normally.

All other doors opened together and men tall enough to simply step out emerged. It was curious to see only two of the three dressed completely normal. Sega wore black, baggy joggers, and there was no mistaking the ICA hoodie he wore that drapped his body, tied at the mid drift. Bai Yusheng and Saalah looked at each other with concern. Sega wore what had to be the plainest shoes they'd ever seen, and they did not match his clothes at all. Coupled with his hair tied up in a ridiculously messy bun, the man looked nothing like his usual, put together self.

Valas was almost as shocking, though his jumpsuit matched perfectly, and the designer logo was evident. His jacket sat open revealing a low V cut top that was sleeveless, so his toned chest peeked out near his arm holes. The oddest part was probably his hair sitting low in a lazy braid that draped over his broad shoulder. His shoes were athletic which was the most surprising.

Aiden stretched his large body, he wore his own tank with shorts and his usual kicks, his hair brushed up and clipped back with a little half up ponytail while the back of his hair curled wildly at his neck. Outside of Aiden and Valas, the other two wore less than happy expressions.

Naki didn't even bother looking back. He was immediately clinging to Bai Yusheng and Saalah, his face set in a surly pout. "Gege, Saalah, hi.~" Though he sung the greeting, it was far less enthusiastic than normal. 

Naki even righted himself immediately instead of clinging, coming to greet Li Jun, Xiu Ying, Kisho, and Khalko also happily but not with his usual bounce.

Sega threw Naki a look and then looked skyward before deciding he would not start again with the surly ball of gloom. He turned to the car, beginning to loosen the ties of the luggage.