Unclaimed (Xianwang)

Chasing After You

Lan Wangji

I knew for certain I would get fired, so before it could come to that, I quit the job myself. It wasn't a decision I made lightly, but there was no point in prolonging the inevitable. The weight of uncertainty hung heavy on me during the first few days. I stayed home, not quite sure what to do with myself. Meng Yao, ever the practical one, had told me to give it time, to not rush into something like working at a café or a restaurant.

"Get some fresh air, Wangji," he said one morning, pushing me to leave the house. "I'll ask around. A teaching job would be better suited for you."

I appreciated his efforts, but it still felt wrong, depending on him again. I'd leaned on him back when we were struggling, and it didn't sit well with me to be in the same position once more. But I had no choice. So, with a sigh, I left the house as he suggested, feeling a bit lost.

I walked without a destination, the cool air brushing past my face. It was strange to be without routine, to not know what the future held. Will I again have to start from 1?

I was lost in my thoughts, barely aware of where I was going when I suddenly bumped into someone. The impact startled me, and as I looked up at the tall, well-built figure in front of me, a flicker of recognition hit me......I've seen this guy before.

He smiled wide, his face lighting up. "Hey, we meet again," he said casually.

I was caught off guard, surprised to see him again. Wasn't this the guy who had asked me for directions a few days ago? 

"Wuxian," he introduced himself again, with the same grin. "May I know your name this time?"

I stared at him, wondering how we ended up meeting again so soon. Coincidence? Fate? Either way, something about this encounter left me unsettled. I didn't trust alphas. Though unlike most I have met before, this one looked so carefree and warm and he looks young too....still he is an alpha. 

"It's rude to do this twice. I feel bad for asking you now... it's embarrassing," he said, scratching the back of his head and giving me those ridiculous puppy eyes.

I felt bad, which was strange. I don't feel bad for alphas, but somehow......

"Lan Wangji," I finally said, my voice cold and loud enough to make it clear I wasn't interested in any chitchat. Without waiting for his reaction, I turned and started walking away quickly.

But then I heard his voice behind me, annoyingly persistent. "Do you stay in this neighborhood?"

I stopped, irritated, and turned back to face him. "Why do you care? Do you stay here?" I shot back, hoping my sharp tone would be enough to get him off my trail.

Instead, his smile only grew wider, as if my attitude amused him. He didn't look fazed at all, "I don't, but I can... if it means getting to see you every day." 

That was unexpected. His words caught me off guard. I blinked, stunned, unsure how to respond, and before I could gather my thoughts, he had already turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, completely dumbfounded.

What is wrong with this alpha?

***

A few days had passed since that strange encounter with the alpha, and I had pushed it out of my mind. I was on my way home after grocery shopping, my thoughts focused on more important matters, when I heard a familiar voice from across the street.

"Hey! Wait up!"

I glanced over and saw him again. Wei Wuxian jogged toward me, his bright smile impossible to miss. I sighed inwardly, already bracing myself for whatever nonsense he would come up with.