Chapter 21: THE STRANGER WE KNOW
The team drove to the police station Lin Yue had mentioned, a quiet tension in the air as they traveled in Grayworm's car, a sleek black vehicle__ he had used this car to come to Ye Qiu's neighborhood before, parking it in a secluded spot before walking around to locate Ye Qiu's house, and now he was using it for a very different purpose.
As they parked in the open lot in front of the police station, the car's engine cut off, and for a moment, no one moved. They all sat in silence, exchanging subtle glances, the weight of the situation settling on them. The building loomed ahead, its sterile, harsh exterior casting a shadow over the parking lot.
"Okay, guys, I'm not gonna lie....we all look weird right now," Grayworm finally broke the silence, his voice low, almost reluctant.
Sparrow raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"The way we're all dressed," Grayworm continued, gesturing to his face. "A full face cover," he added, his eyes sweeping over the group, taking in the dark clothing that clung to each of them like a second skin. Everyone, wore face masks, and most wore caps to shield their identities further. It was a strange, almost intimidating sight.
"I don't know why Everstay was arrested," Grayworm continued, "but if we show up looking like this, as his friends, then we might be misunderstood. People might think we're up to something else."
Omega snorted. "Tell me about it." he said. Without any further word, he removed his face cap and mask, revealing his features to the group. As the fabric fell away, his long, dark hair cascaded down his shoulders, and the others looked at him in surprise. His face was striking—cool, handsome, with strong features that contrasted with the gentleness in his eyes. His brow was full, his skin tone dark, adding to his rugged yet refined look. There was a sense of calmness about him, a quiet intensity that made him all the more alluring.
"Well, I didn't expect that," Grayworm muttered under his breath, taking off his own face cap and mask.
The rest of them turned to look at him, and Somi's breath caught in her throat. She had seen Grayworm before—briefly, on the news, when he was suspected to be grayworm but she hadn't believed the rumors. She didnt think he would be this good-looking. His hair was thick and healthy, his hairline impeccable, styled in a way that made it look as if he had just stepped out of a high-end salon. His face was sharp, with a pointed nose and well-defined features that seemed to speak of his youth and vitality. A playful energy radiated from him, matching his lively voice. His skin was fair, almost porcelain, and he had a distinct, adorable quality to him—especially with his slightly crooked bunny teeth that seemed to add to his charm.
Next, Sparrow took off his face mask. His youthful face was revealed, and it immediately struck everyone that he looked incredibly young—almost like a teenager. His skin was pale and soft, a milky pinkish tone that looked almost flawless. His eyes were large, round, and full of life, conveying an innocence and curiosity that matched his voice perfectly.
"Jesus, Sparrow, what are you, like five?" Grayworm exclaimed, shaking his head in dis belief, as sparrow just rolled his eyes, he was already used to this kind of comment.
The others stared at Sparrow. His appearance was so innocent, so youthful, that it was hard to believe he could be part of a group like theirs. He looked like he belonged more in a high school.
When all eyes turned to Somi, the final decision fell to her. She looked at the group, considering for a moment, then quickly opened the door and stepped out of the car. "I'd rather keep mine on. One person with pink hair won't raise suspicion," she said, her tone resolute as she rushed to get out of the car, not waiting for anyone's response.
Somi's pink hair—so distinct, so unique—had always been a part of her, but today, it felt like a glaring beacon. She preferred to keep it concealed in a world that was not kind to individuality.
Once inside the station, the group approached the front desk, where a bored-looking officer sat. Somi stepped forward, her voice clear and unwavering as she asked about Ye Qiu. The officer barely looked up as he replied, his words clipped and uninterested. "We don't know anyone by that name."
Somi's eyes flashed with frustration, but she didn't back down. "He has to be here," she insisted, her voice rising slightly.
The officer stared at her for a moment before he sighed and turned to ask his colleague. They exchanged a few low words, and it was then that they mentioned someone who had been brought in recently. A man who hadn't said much, who hadn't provided a name, but might be the person they were looking for. They had brought him in a few days ago, and he'd barely said a word Since.
They agreed to bring him out, but there was a catch—none of them had ever seen Ye Qiu before. How would they be able to confirm that it was really him? They exchanged uneasy glances, silently agreeing that they couldn't reveal their uncertainty to the officers. They had to see it for themselves.
The police officer nodded, and moments later, the group was led to a small holding room. As the door creaked open, their hearts pounded in their chests, unsure of what—or who—would be waiting for them on the other side. Would it be Ye Qiu? Would they recognize him?
As they waited, each of them was lost in their own thoughts. No one spoke, the silence thick with tension. The only sound was the faint hum of the fluorescent lights overhead, buzzing in the otherwise still room.
After a short while, a policewoman walked out, leading a tall young man into the waiting area. His appearance immediately caught everyone's attention. His messy hair hung loosely, framing a pale face that seemed almost ghostly under the harsh fluorescent lights. His pallor gave him an almost sickly appearance, which even made the police officers hesitant to lay a hand on him.
His height was striking, making him stand out, but it was his unique features that truly drew their focus. At first glance, he didn't scream conventionally handsome, but the longer one looked, the more his sharp, distinct features became evident. His pointed nose, thin lips, and light brown eyes hinted at a beauty that was raw and understated. Despite his disheveled state and apparent neglect, there was something about him that seemed magnetic. His features were foreign in a way that set him apart—he didn't look fully Chinese, his appearance suggested his Uyghur heritage.
The team froze, unsure of what to do. They stood staring at him, while he stared back, equally uncertain why these strangers were fixated on him. His gaze drifted briefly, as if searching for someone else—someone familiar. He had been expecting Lin Yue, but instead, four unfamiliar faces stood before him.
"Is that him?" the policeman asked, his voice cutting through the tense silence.
The group exchanged nervous glances, none of them entirely sure how to confirm. Grayworm, however, stepped forward, his voice steady. "Ye Qiu?" he called out, his tone casual but deliberate.
The young man squinted, his eyes narrowing as though trying to place the voice. For a moment, there was no recognition. Then, something shifted in his expression. His eyes widened, and he tilted his head slightly. "Gray…" he started to say, his voice faint, but he stopped himself, hesitant to mention Grayworm's name in front of the officers. Instead, he turned his gaze to Sparrow, who gave him a small, shy wave. His eyes then shifted to Omega, whose intense stare seemed to pierce right through him, as though trying to confirm it was truly Everstay standing before them. Finally, his gaze landed on Somi.
She had imagined Ye Qiu to be handsome, but the reality exceeded her expectations. His looks weren't just striking—they were unforgettable. For a moment, she just stared at him, unable to say anything.
"That's him," she finally said to the police, her voice firm and clear, though it betrayed a hint of emotion.
With the confirmation, the team worked quickly to secure his release. Omega, taking charge like an older brother, stepped forward to handle the negotiations with the officers. His calm demeanor and measured words made the process smoother than expected, though it still took time. As the paperwork was finalized, the rest of the team waited quietly, stealing occasional glances at each other, mostly Ye Qiu, who leaned against the wall, his hands in his pockets and his eyes downcast.
When it was all done, Ye Qiu was officially released. As they exited the station together, the group felt a mix of relief and tension. The night wasn't over, and none of them were sure what lay ahead, but one thing was certain—they were all together, for the first time.
[The Uyghurs, are Turkic ethnic group from China's Xinjiang region, they have distinct Central Asian features, such as almond-shaped eyes, high cheekbones, and a rich cultural heritage, they are blend of central asian and middle eastern asian but are chinese.]