Xian could still hear the robotic voice echoing in his head, subtly followed by Felix's words. What did he need a fake boyfriend for?
"I know it's a weird request," Felix continued, still stroking Xian's hair. "But I promise, I'm not some weirdo that's trying to take advantage of you. I'm just in a bit of a mess, and this is the only way out of it."
Xian tried to process what he was saying. "Won't it be better if you just get an actual boyfriend?"
Felix shook his head, his confidence starting to fade. "It's not that simple. My agency forbids us from dating, at least until my contract expires."
"That's just ridiculous."
"Trust me, I know. But it's one of those prices you need to pay to get what you want." Felix could already imagine the rage his manager would unleash if a dating rumor came out right now in the middle of his scandal.
"It's not like you're a famous actor or anything. You should be able to decide what you want for yourself."
Felix smiled at that.
In a way, it was refreshing to see someone that didn't know of his idol status, or just how popular he was.
After all, he was tired of people treating him like some exclusive candy they needed to get their hands on just so they could show off to others.
"It's not that easy," Felix replied.
Xian seriously considered it.
As a former author in his past life, he'd written this trope so many times. Fake dating to lovers, he already knew how the story was going to end. Was he willing to take the chance?
There was still the pressing need to put a roof over his head.
Overall, the offer was very tempting, but he knew not to trust someone he was just meeting for the first time. People often ran deeper than what they showed on the surface.
But what other alternative did Xian have?
"I can even pay you…" Felix backtracked. "I'm sorry, I'm not trying to buy you with money."
Xian could hear the desperation in his voice, plus he still had a mission to complete. So far, Felix didn't seem like a bad guy, he could play along until he had enough money to rent an apartment.
Xian took a deep breath. "Fine, I guess I'll—"
He was cut off by the loud bang of a door. He felt Felix freeze.
"What's wrong?" he asked, but Felix was already pushing him up from where he laid on his thigh.
"This is really bad…" Felix muttered under his breath.
"What the hell is going on here?" A loud voice thundered, shaking Xian to the core.
He looked up to see a huge muscular man standing at the door. He wore a black t-shirt on black jeans, and the sneer on his face let Xian know trouble was brewing.
"Han…" Felix moved cautiously towards the man. "It's not what you think. We're just getting drinks, he'll be on his way after we're done."
Xian blinked in confusion, then worry marred his face when he saw how scared Felix was. Just who was this stranger?
"Look I think you got the wrong place…" Xian stuttered, alcohol still flowing in his bloodstream. "Please leave…"
The man swung at Xian, his first connecting to the corner of his mouth. Felix screamed, barely managing to catch the omega before he hit the ground.
"Han! Why did you hit him? If you want to punish anyone, it should be me." Felix cradled Xian's head. "I told you I don't want to see you anymore!"
Han grabbed Felix by the collar and pulled him up, shaking him to the core. "You don't get to tell me when this is over, you don't get to toss me out whenever you deem fit!" He yelled into Felix's face.
"There's a lot of people outside this room, I will not hesitate to create a scene if it'll get you to come back to your senses."
This wasn't the first time Han was threatening Felix in public, he also knew it wasn't going to be the last.
"Let go, you're choking me," Felix managed to get out. "We can find somewhere quiet and talk."
Han dropped Felix on the floor, his attention going to Xian who was still lying down on the floor unable to move.
"Is this your new boy toy?" Han walked in menacing strides towards Xian. He pulled him up by the collar. "You're choosing a fucking omega over me?"
"It's not like that, leave him alone!" Felix knew how violent Han could get if he was provoked. "I swear there's nothing going on. Let's just talk, okay?"
Han eyed Xian with curiosity before picking him up and literally throwing him out of the door.
Xian hissed in pain when he hit the floor. The alcohol was making it impossible to process how he'd gone from being a fake boyfriend to getting thrown out. He stood up to go back in there and help Felix.
[CRITICAL SYSTEM ALERT!]
Charm stat is low.
Suggested actions:
Leave immediately (+5 charm points) Attempt social recovery (+10 charm points)
Xian paused, he couldn't risk it. He needed to get as many charm points as possible so he could help Felix, it was his turn to return the favor.
He looked around the bar, everyone was busy drinking, making small talk, and the others attempting to dance on the makeshift dance floor.
He'd always been bad at making friends. And even as he stood there, the glowing colored lights overwhelmed him.
The only thing that helped him move from the spot was the courage he'd borrowed from alcohol. He scanned the room for anyone that looked mildly approachable.
That was when he saw the man, alone with a glass of whiskey, tucked into the corner of a bar. He was well away from all the chaos happening around him.
It was hard to see from across the room but Xian was able to detect his blonde hair and sharp jaw.
[Mission: Make him smile]
What the hell?
Xian took a deep breath before making his way to the man. He bumped into other people but he was determined to reach his destination.
"Hello, handsome," Xian slurred as he took this seat in front of the man. There was no response. "You look dashing tonight." He facepalmed on the inside, he really was awkward at this.
"Leave before I call security."
It was a short sentence but something in the man's voice made him tingly all over, and it wasn't just the alcohol.
The man's face was buried in his phone which was why Xian was caught unaware when the man looked up and glared at Xian with his piercing blue eyes.
If hypnotism was real, Xian was certain the man was having the same effect on him.
"You have such beautiful eyes," Xian said, his face taking on a dreamy look.
The man sighed before raising a finger. Xian did not realize what was happening until the two bouncers at the door walked over and they both grabbed his arms.
"Hey! I swear I mean no harm. I just…"
They threw him out of the bar, as if his day couldn't get any worse.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Mission failed
-5 charm points
Xian sighed, struggling to get up. He was done for.
He managed to get up on shaky knees, recognizing the cab in front of him instantly. It was the one he and Felix had rode to the bar.
He looked inside the bar for the last time, suddenly feeling abandoned. It was like for the first time that day he finally realized how alone he truly was.
The man in the cab saw him and waved him over, recognizing him.
Xian sighed, he still had enough for a motel. He'd figure out what to do the next day. The driver gestured for him to get into the passenger seat.
Xian hesitated for a split second before he got in. "Please, take me to any motel around here. I just need to spend the night."
The old driver nodded and zoomed off. "Are you really an omega?" he asked, which made Xian uncomfortable.
"Yes, do you have a problem—"
His words were barely out of his mouth when he felt a cloth being pressed to his nose from behind. He struggled for a couple seconds before everywhere went black.