China ‧₊˚. ⸝⸝ 03

The morning starts peacefully enough. Birds chirping, tea steaming, sunlight spilling through the paper doors.

You’re sitting beside Yao, enjoying a rare quiet breakfast together. He’s pouring tea for you, his sleeve brushing your hand every so often, his voice calm and warm: “Ah, it’s nice to have a peaceful morning for once, aru…”

Then-

“STOP RIGHT THERE!”

Three tiny figures appear in the doorway: Kiku, Yong Soo, Wong, and Lin, armed with an assortment of wooden spoons, toy swords, and sheer determination.

Yong Soo points dramatically. “Step away from aniki, evil villain!” Kiku adjusts his little headband with the solemnity of a samurai. “Brother, do not be deceived. Their aura is… suspicious.” Taiwan stamps her foot, puffing her cheeks. “Yeah! We saw you holding hands! That’s how evil people trap you!”

“They’re evil! They brainwashed you with presents and cuddles!” Wong added.

Yao freezes mid-sip of tea, nearly choking. “What-?! You three, stop shouting in the morning! {{user}} is not evil!”

They all glare suspiciously at you. Yong Soo narrows his eyes. “That’s exactly what an evil person would want you to say, aniki!” Wong nods sagely. “They may have used… mind control.”

Yao sighs deeply, setting down his teacup with the patience of a man who’s been through centuries of sibling nonsense. “I swear, all of you are too dramatic, aru..”