Of course, Fang Chen wouldn’t actually turn himself into a kebab.
He couldn’t even find a stick thick or long enough anyway.

So in the end, he chose the safest, most foolproof character—vampire!
It was his first Halloween abroad, so Fang Chen was excited, bought a ton of costume supplies online, determined to really look the part!

The holiday atmosphere here was strong. In the days leading up to Halloween, many houses already started decorating.

Fang Chen and his roommate finished their pumpkin crafts; they even learned to make pumpkin cakes. He wrapped up some to bring to Jamin and, well…Seth.

Seth had asked him to dinner on Halloween night.
Beside those group events, this seemed to be Fang Chen’s first solo dinner with Seth.

Would a Western restaurant let a little vampire in?

.

By afternoon, Fang Chen was already getting ready.
He’d never put on makeup before, was clumsy with his hands, so his roommate couldn’t take it anymore and pulled him over, “Let me help. Look at what you’re doing to your face!”

His roommate was a guy, but always used a touch of makeup when going out—handling Fang Chen was a breeze.

While patting powder gently onto Fang Chen’s skin, he sighed, “Your skin is so nice, makes me want to kiss you.”

Fang Chen stared at him in horror.

The roommate laughed, “Just kidding.”

Thanks!
Not that funny!!

Fang Chen’s eyes were round, so his roommate gave him a full eyeliner—making his eyes look even bigger and brighter.

He didn’t add much else, just finished up with some lipstick—bright red, looking just like a little vampire who’d just had a drink.

“All done!” Roommate assessed, satisfied. “With you looking like this, if you told someone you wanted a bite, they’d probably show you their neck.”

Fang Chen mumbled, “So dramatic…”

After makeup, Fang Chen put on the costume—a black-and-red cloak with a high collar. He’d imagined looking majestic, but seeing himself in the mirror, it felt like something was missing.

Damn! How did Seth always look so intimidating?

Was it because he was too thin?
Fang Chen checked his wrist—definitely too slender, Seth could probably break it with a snap.

Sighing, he let it go.

No imposing vibe? Who cared—he wasn’t becoming a king.
It was getting dark outside.

Seth originally offered to pick him up, but Fang Chen refused.

It wasn’t a date!
No need for all that!
He checked directions and decided to take the subway.

He’d worried his costume would look bizarre on the train, but soon realized he was almost too normal.

It was Halloween, and as the night went on, the square would be full of performances, so the subway was packed.

No—
It was ghosts, not people.

He stepped back and bumped into a nurse with a big ax on her head.
Forward, a skeleton turned to face him, nearly making him shut down in fear.
To the left, a bloody clown; to the right, a pale zombie.

The little vampire was trapped in the middle, head drooping, too scared to move.

If only he’d let Seth pick him up…

Fang Chen silently grumbled.

Suddenly, someone brushed his waist. Fang Chen flinched and started to turn, but the person tightened their hold, hugging Fang Chen from behind.

Next, a deep voice in his ear.
“Surprise.”
“Look what I caught—a little vampire?”

Fang Chen’s eyes widened.

How could it be…
Seth!

He twisted around, but the next sight shocked him even more.
The sky had fallen!!
Matching costumes!!

Seth was also dressed as a vampire.
Fang Chen gulped.
Seth’s cloak was at least two sizes larger, and his costume was even more detailed—red contacts, perfectly styled golden hair combed back, looking for once less wild and more regal.

If this was a vampire clan, Seth was definitely a Prince.

Fang Chen stammered, “Why are you here?”

Seth smirked, “Leaving from your dorm, you’d have to catch this subway. Not a hard guess.”

Fang Chen froze.
Really, he wanted to ask:
You could’ve just driven over.
Why take extra steps,
why squeeze onto the subway?

But he kept quiet, only muttering, “Why did you dress as a vampire too?”

Seth replied smoothly, “Just a coincidence.”

Fang Chen felt awkward.
Matching costumes weren’t scary—it’s all about who’s taller and who’s embarrassed!
Imagine seeing two vampires of different heights on the street—he’d just look like Seth’s…toy!

All his feelings were plain on his face—Seth tried not to laugh, then asked, “What’s wrong? Don’t like matching outfits?”

Fang Chen grumbled, “Of course not!”

Seth finally let himself laugh, twice quietly. Fang Chen glared up, but just then, someone bumped him from behind, pushing his face right into Seth’s chest.

And Seth, for some reason tonight, was wearing a black deep-V shirt under his cloak. Fang Chen’s face landed right on Seth’s chest.

Perfect placement.

He was stunned.
Yes, he liked Seth’s chest muscles…but he really didn’t mean to!

He lifted his head and met Seth’s meaningful look.

He tried to explain, “I didn’t…”

But then he noticed something shocking.
On Seth’s chest, a big lip mark.

What did his roommate put on his lips? Why was it transfer-proof?!

Panic, Fang Chen tried to wipe it off, “Sorry, let me clean that…”

It faded quickly, but just wouldn’t come off by rubbing!
He kept brushing his hand across Seth’s chest until Seth finally grabbed his wrist, voice husky, “That’s enough.”

Fang Chen blinked, carefully checking Seth’s expression, “Are you mad?”

Seth sighed, voice softening, “No.”

Just…if you keep touching me like that
his pants might fail to cover up the situation.

Fang Chen mumbled an “Oh,” sneaking a glance at the spot he’d reddened.

Were chest muscles something you could train? They were different from biceps—not as hard, but springy.

His gaze lingered, and Seth almost laughed—did he really like that spot so much?
If only the little lamb were braver.
Seth would happily let him have a bite.

That subway ride was the hardest of Fang Chen’s life. When they finally emerged, he felt lucky to have survived.

But there was still a walk to the restaurant, passing the plaza, so Fang Chen wanted to walk.

Seth agreed, of course.

Just like he’d imagined, their height difference made them stand out—even on a street full of ghosts. One imposing, one cute.

People snapped photos, even talking loudly enough for Fang Chen to hear.
“Oh my god, those vampires are such a pair!”

A pair? What pair?
No no—they’re not a pair!!
You’re all wrong!!

The little lamb internally screamed!

“Why are you spacing out?”
His wrist was caught; Seth’s voice soft, “If I don’t hold your hand, you’ll walk into a tree.”

Eh???

The little lamb blinked, protested quietly, “I wouldn’t.”

Seth ignored it, simply slid his fingers between Fang Chen’s, lacing them together.

Big hand holding the little one.

Fang Chen’s mind went blank.
They…were holding hands?!

How was Seth so good at this?

Fang Chen got so nervous he almost started tiptoeing, heart pounding.

Don’t be nervous, don’t overthink.

He repeated it in his mind.
Foreigners are open—holding hands is nothing.
They even kiss at greetings.

But the more he thought, the more he focused on the hand in his, Seth’s hand so big and warm, a little rough with calluses, slightly ticklish against his palm.

Lost in thought, Fang Chen didn’t realize they’d reached the plaza. The parade now featured “ghost brides”; everyone lined up, hoping to catch candy from the floats.

Finally, Fang Chen got distracted and pulled Seth over to wait for treats.

A few candies flew down—Seth reached out his huge hand to catch them all before they hit Fang Chen’s head.

But rather than giving the candy to Fang Chen, Seth smiled, “Trick or Treat?”

Fang Chen pursed his lips, then suddenly made a scary face at Seth, baring his teeth.

Seth was stunned.
So cute.

Fang Chen’s face came close—soft cheeks, dark shining eyes, trying to look fierce but showing off little canine teeth.

Red lips looked so soft.

Was Fang Chen trying to tease him into a kiss?

.

No reaction.
Awkward!

Fang Chen started to laugh it away, but Seth suddenly grabbed his chin.

Soft flesh squeezed, Fang Chen silently looked up at Seth.

Those deep red eyes never left his face. Seth’s lips curled, but his voice wasn’t teasing—it was low, raspy.

“Little vampire, no real fangs—whose blood can you really drink?”

Seth’s gaze followed Fang Chen’s mouth, forcing him to part his lips just a little.

Like a vampire prince inspecting his new fledgling.
Wanting to slip a finger inside that mouth…

This little vampire probably couldn’t even break the skin.
He’d just have to let those fingers play—until, pitifully, all that came out was saliva.

“But that’s fine.”
Seth thought wickedly—but only smiled politely on the surface.

“You can bite me.”

__

Author’s Note:
Mini Theater
The Prince brought a person back from ancient Eastern lands, always hidden away in his castle.

Some guessed this was a human the prince had given his first embrace to—now kept in the castle as a blood servant.

Then, at a year-end banquet…
A vampire accidentally entered the top floor and saw the usually cold, stern prince holding a boy.

The boy sat on the prince’s lap, black hair and eyes, clearly dressed in the prince’s own robe, loosely fitting and exposing soft white shoulder marked with two fang imprints.

The prince tilted his head, openly revealing his neck, coaxing gently, “Baby, bite here.”