Author's Note: Apologies I think I am walking the tightrope of a writer's block and writer's sphere now😭I am easily coming up with ideas, but actually writing them out is harder. Anyways, I don't know about you all, but sometimes I read my own fanfictions and start giggling as if I'm not the one who wrote these. My target audience is literally myself. So yeah I ended up taking a break, but for your information I spent like two hours on call with my bestie coming up with ideas, I just didn't get to implementing any of them. As a hint, I went down the serial killer rabbit hole. Also, these titles are harder to think of than the story itself, but I'm pretty proud of what I come up with then :)

To Cedezbenz: I like your ideas I may take a nibble of them. I agree, although Lu Si Cheng is quite a cutie his attitude needs a reality check. Thanks for the support! ❤️

I am literally skipping from scene to scene so we are going to do a jump to the scene where Tong Yao gets sent those razor blades. Yes that package. Now, the exact frame where they showed her opening the package, I had an issue with it. I really don't get how she got cuts over all her fingers. She opened the package starting with her thumb from what I remember and then it cuts to her on the floor with her whole hand dripping in blood. I'm changing that so her injury isn't as bad. Also, she isn't going to be a crying mess; I don't feel like writing that right now so it'll more so be like an "ouch!" or something and she actually does play the next match. And then evil stuff. :) We start right at the door when she's handed the package. Also remember they are together at this point so I'll leave it like that. Let's start angels❤️

Tong Yao POV:

I signed off for the delivery man before thanking him and turning back to the base. Usually, packages weren't sent directly to our door so this was strange, and this one had my name written on it with a kind of creepy smile next to it. How ironic considering I am literally called Smiling. Someone needs to take drawing classes. I planned to march right in and shove the package in Lu Yue's face; I wanted to tease him that I had more fans than him. Trying to figure out how to open it, I slipped my thumb into the side gap, struggling to get past the ribbon tying the whole thing together.

"Ouch!" The package dropped with a thud.

I stared at the cut that oozed with blood like a fountain, dripping like the jaws of a wolf that had just gutted its prey. That hurt.

"Tong Yao." Lu Si Cheng held my hand in his, examining the injury.

The others had ran here quickly hearing my yelp and were huddled around the package, eyeing it like a group of pigeons.

"What's in there?" Lao Mao asked, crouching to get a better look.

"I don't know. Whatever it is doesn't seem nice," I grumbled.

"Lu Yue, grab the first aid kit." He immediately headed to the kitchen at his brother's order.

"Lu Si Cheng it's a small cut. It can heal on its own."

"If you can force me to take my cold medication, I can force you to get bandaged." Tyrant.

"Should we open it?" Lao K stared, pointing at the package.

"I'll do it." Xiao Rui stepped forward. "It won't affect the team as much if I get injured. Your hands are the treasure of the club."

Everyone smiled at the caring manager, most taking a step back so he could get a clearer view. Lu Yue had brought back a box cutter when grabbing the first aid kit so Xiao Rui was able to cut through the cardboard box. Casting the lid aside, the team stared in shock as beneath the hay-like paper streamers, the manager pulled out a razor blade. Lao Mao still crouching by the box had picked up a cockroach by its antenna.

"Isn't it disgusting?!" He exclaimed.

"Someone has been watching your livestreams carefully," Lu Si Cheng muttered.

"I can't believe they really switched out the usual combo from rats and razors to these critters," I grumbled.

"Guys, there's also a letter." Xiao Rui stood holding a slip of paper the size of an index card.

"Let this be a warning, do not play the next match. Your seat isn't that far from the audience after all," Xiao Pang read over the manager's shoulder.

"This is nuts!" Lu Yue complained.

"Tong Yao, what are your thoughts?" God Ming stared at me inquisitively.

Truthfully, the letter scared me; however, not enough for me to not play the next match. If people thought sending death threats to gamers would have the matches run their way, they thought wrong. I look up into Lu Si Cheng's eyes, darkened with determination, as if daring someone to lay a hand on me.

"I'm playing the next match."

"Wait," Xiao Rui cut me off. "I don't think the club will agree. Tong Yao, the situation is dangerous and you are a girl. What will we say to your parents if something happens?"

"Nothing will happen to her." Lu Si Cheng's resolute statement silenced any further protests.

"Okay." Xiao Rui pushed his glasses up on his nose. "Lu Si Cheng, I'll trust you. I'll have the club up the security and have a personal bodyguard ready for Tong Yao when we're not on stage."

God Ming ran his eyes over the whole group, meeting eyes with each member before speaking, "Everyone, we must stick together. Tong Yao, you especially are not allowed to go anywhere alone."

I would've protested, but Lu Si Cheng's one look stopped me from opening my mouth.

"Ok fine," I sighed.

The sun had started setting, coloring the sky like strawberries and oranges. It looked inviting, as if asking for a hug to share it's warmth. I stood on the balcony for a while, admiring the fiery beauty trailing the sun's departure before Xiao pang came to call me for dinner. During this time, Xiao Rui had made some calls and done the arrangements for tomorrow's match. I just had to hope luck was in our favor now.

I could notice the team's nervous glances on me as we got closer to the match. Their eyes seemed to nervously dart around the base before Xiao Rui and God Ming managed to send us off to bed, telling us not to worry. My teammates each wished me goodnight, reminding me that the club would handle everything. I wasn't sure whether they were attempting to reassure me or themselves. Even Lu Si Cheng was nervous, I could tell. He gave me a forehead kiss and hug, revealing just how tightly knit his muscles were, like a fresh crochet project.

Lu Si Cheng POV:

The morning after the package, everyone nibbled slowly on their breakfasts; except for Fatty, who would probably still have an appetite in the middle of a crime scene. I essentially had to force Tong Yao to eat as I was worried she would end up passing out due to starvation. It was obvious she was anxious. Her leg bounced uncontrollably under the kitchen table and only when I put my hand on her thigh did she stop. She had bit off all her lipstick and was reapplying it for the fifth time this morning. As we finally boarded the bus, I reminded everyone about last night before taking a seat.

"Remember, no one goes alone anywhere, okay?" I scanned my gaze down the aisle, stopping at Tong Yao.

She gave a small smile, indicating her agreement, and I turned around to slide into my seat. The bus ride to the arena was rough and bumpy. It was as if each turn and swerve was a reminder of just how short life really was. I won't let anything happen to you Tong Yao, I promise.

Tong Yao stuck close to me once we got off the bus. Thankfully, the bodyguard the club had arranged was one I was familiar with. I greeted him with a simple nod, before he took to standing on the other side of Tong Yao, becoming a brick wall between her and the fans at the entrance. Tong Yao seemed even smaller between us two towering on each side of her. I chuckled at her being pocket-sized. Despite her size, she was a fierce opponent when challenged, even against me.

"Ready?"

"I'm readier than ever," she said smiling.

With an arm around her shoulder, the team and us swiftly made our way to the lounge room. The bodyguard stood guard outside the door, eyes gluing to each person that passed by.

"Listen up everyone." God Ming clapped his hands together. "Remember the strategy we practiced during training."

Though it was unsaid, his serious tone also sent the message to be aware of our surroundings. Taking a last glance around the lounge room, we made our way down the hallway to the stairs we'd climb up to the stage from. I gave Tong Yao's hand a squeeze before releasing it, allowing her to trail behind me with Xiao Pang finishing off the queue. We would be playing against team Red Arrow, an average though solid team. Our biggest concern wasn't the match though and it was evident in each member's face. I just had to hope the tension didn't screw up our game. That's when I had an idea.

"If we lose today's match I'll ask Xiao Rui to change the training schedule and have it start at 6 AM," I said, spinning the chair to take a seat.

I smirked at the groans and complaints, but was thankful I could distract them a bit. Unfortunately, Shorty was someone who loved to wake up at the crack of dawn like she was a rooster and my statement barely dented into her nervous aura.

"Tong Yao."

"Hm." She looked at me startled.

"I'm here," I said, taking her hand in mine.

"I know." She gave a small smile.

I ruffled her hair before God Ming instructed us to put our headphones on. We started picking our Shikigami, falling into our usual routine. The team's morale was more confident now that we were in our comfort zone. It was as if the game had magical healing powers. Even Tong Yao was less anxious as her hands were more firm on the keys and computer mouse, clicking away as if they weren't shaky a few minutes ago.

Tong Yao POV:

The match ended as a success, our team winning 2:0. I guess we were so hyperaware that our senses were heightened even in the game. Though unintentional, we had quite brutally beaten Red Arrow and I knew the online community would soon reflect the same fire of nerves we were burning in right now. We went to shake their hands and then took the steps down, coming closer to the fans than we had been since the start of the match. I kept my eyes down, sticking behind Lu Si Cheng so that if there were an attacker here, they wouldn't see me. We had almost made it to the other end of the stage when Lu Si Cheng suddenly turned, shifting me behind him and raising his arms in front of us. Xiao Pang, who was behind me, yanked me back out of reflex as the audience gasped.

"Tong Yao, you wench!" Security had ran down and started dragging away a man who looked to be in his thirties.

I glanced at Lu Si Cheng who was breathing hard, arm still raised in the air. Drops of liquid were falling onto the floor like the start of a rain shower. His jacket was starting to droop, the fabric separating itself.

"Tong Yao, are you okay?"

"I'm completely fine, but Cheng-ge your arm-" My words were cut off.

"I told you, nothing would happen to you."

Lu Si Cheng held his arm away from his body, carefully turning it to examine. Most of the jacket's fabric had burned away, the skin underneath starting to show. It wasn't till I saw the burn that I realized what happened. This had to be the man that sent me the package. After I ignored his message and played the next match, he took an extreme step; he tried throwing acid at me. My captain had sensed it and sacrificed himself just so I would leave this arena unscathed. Is this what it feels like to be loved?

"Lu Si Cheng take your jacket off." God Ming had rushed over and helped him out of it, careful to not touch any parts that had been impacted by the thrown acid.

We were lead back to the lounge room to wait for an ambulance. I felt terrible that all this was happening because of me. Our leader winced in pain at every slight movement of his arm. The backup medic had been called to the room, using a bucket of water to wash away the excess acid. Lu Si Cheng was clenching his jaw, but it was clear the injury was a lot more painful then he showed. It was now under the room's bright light that we were able to make out the severity of the burn.

The color of his arm was bright pink like a salmon and the outer skin around the center of the burn was a faded mahogany. The center was starting to become a cream white, like a dirty white towel. His skin foamed as if it were soap. The team and I stared at the calm medic, gently rinsing Lu Si Cheng's arm into a bucket. With the limited equipment and skills he had, he was putting forth his best efforts. Eventually, the ambulance arrived and Lu Si Cheng was led away, our eyes following him out the room before the door slam shut. We had been told to follow behind on the ZGDX bus.

Once the shock of it all passed, we hurried behind Xiao Rui and boarded onto the bus, security guards on our tail. The fans had been kept inside till both teams left to prevent any further incident. The area of the attack had also been blocked off by yellow cautionary tape so the police and investigators could come by later to gather the evidence.

Lu Si Cheng POV:

My arm burned as if being repeatedly jabbed with cigarettes. I couldn't imagine what would've happened if the attacker had had better aim and hit Tong Yao right in the face, which is what he intended for. His face was frustrated and full of anger as he was dragged away. Tong Yao's shocked face was a better result than having her be the victim of this attack. I'd do the same thing again if it meant she'd be unharmed. I'm just thankful that Tong Yao is unhurt.

The hospital room I was put in was dull and gloomy. I knew the team would be arriving soon, extremely tensed by today's incident. As long as Tong Yao is okay. A nurse was doing another rinse on my arm. She carefully pat it dry before applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly. Her thin fingers worked swiftly and efficiently as I stared at my skin. It looked like a deformed Van Gogh painting. I winced as she carefully wrapped the injury in bandages.

"Sorry." She finished tying it off before continuing, "Now make sure to rinse this every day and do this same procedure for proper healing. I'll provide you the materials before you leave and a packet of instructions. Take care of yourself mister." With a deep bow, she turned and left the room.

Not even a moment later, my teammates filed into the room, Tong Yao immediately coming over to look at my arm.

"How do you feel? Does it hurt? I'm so sorry that this happened because of me." I covered her mouth before she went down the lane of guilt.

"Tong Yao it's not your fault. Better my arm than your face. We should be thankful that this wasn't worse."

"How did he even get the acid in the arena? I thought they checked bags?" Lao K questioned.

"I truly have no idea. The police chief told me he'd update me on the situation once he was able to investigate the scene thoroughly. As for now, Red Arrow's defeat has been covered up by this attack. It's all anyone is focused on." Xiao Rui pulled out his phone and held it out, scrolling through Weibo to show the various angles of the attack.

Some pictures showed the zoomed in blurry version of my arm. Others had captured our team's reactions and there was even a picture of the acid floating in mid air, ready to fall. It was trending on the front page and all anyone was talking about.

"Why would he do such a thing?" Lao Mao questioned.

"Jealousy leads people to terrible things. Our gem of a mid, though having done nothing wrong, has managed to hurt many egos out there by simply being herself. Tong Yao." Fatty turned to face her before continuing. "I think we need more security. We promise you'll be safe. See, even today captain didn't let the man harm you."

"I don't want to be a trouble," she said in a small voice.

"Tong Yao, when you joined the team we agreed to handle your responsibility. We are all family," God Ming reassured her.

"He's right. Don't blame yourself for this. Nothing you could've done would've stopped people whose brains refuse to listen to common sense. Such people don't own a moral compass either. The police already arrested the man, everything will be okay." I was about to lift my arm in an attempt to ruffle her hair out of habit before wincing, laying it back on the hospital bed.

"Lu Si Cheng! Do not move. You may be responsible for me, but I'm just as responsible in helping you heal. You are going to listen to me now, understand?" She wagged her finger at me.

I saw the team hiding snickers. Clearly they were enjoying this rare scolding that wasn't directed at them. It wasn't as fun being on the other end of it. Tong Yao could be quite scary sometimes.

"Alright little rabbit. Don't scrunch up your beautiful face in a fit." She puffed out her cheeks, resembling a rabbit with carrots stuck in its mouth.

Ring ring. Xiao Rui picked up his phone.

"Oh?"

"I see."

"Alright, I understand. Thank you."

He put the phone back in his pocket before letting us know that the man had pleaded guilty and was likely going to be in jail for a long time. It was hard to refute the claim when he threw the acid on live television. He also informed the police that the acid had been brought in by him after bribing one of the security guards, who had been immediately found and fired from the arena and also arrested as an accomplice.

"Well that's a relief. Cheng-ge, luckily your hand is fine. I'll go fill out the discharge papers." God Ming stepped out of the room with Xiao Rui.

The others made excuses and also left, leaving just Ton Yao and I. She sat down at the edge of my bed taking hold of my fingers, twiddling them around with her own.

"I'm glad you're okay."

"I am too." I smiled at her.

"If you don't heal quickly then I'll have to fill in as ADC." She sighed dramatically, as if the weight of the team was all on her tiny shoulders.

"You wouldn't let Lu Yue touch the mid position if you could help it. Also, your ADC skills are terrible, please don't think of substituting that position ever again."

She laughed at my statement, the melody brightening the room's cement-colored walls.

"Or we could replace you with Hierophant." She grinned mischievously.

"You wouldn't dare." I narrowed my eyes at her.

"If you continue to listen to me, which is taking a very well-needed rest, then your position is safe captain." She leaned in closer to my face before continuing, "And no solo battles before a full recovery; you should know what I mean."

I groaned. She was going to tease me mercilessly. I knew I'd get back at her eventually though, so I'll let her have fun for now. Seeing her face already close to mine, a thought came into my mind. Innocently, I leaned forward and quickly pecked her lips before slouching back against the bed.

"Alright princess."

"Pervert," she hmphed.

"Only for you." My heart leaped as she continued on with her rabbit-like antics: puffing her cheeks, scrunching her nose, her sparkling glances, her soft touch. Absolutely adorable.

The Endd

Apologies for the long wait I may actually be in a writer's block and also be in strong denial of it. My first summer class is about to end so I have to lock in now. I have a lot of ideas pending though, don't worry. Please be patient with me I still love you all❤️ I will say my original plan was something else, but as I wrote the muse just dilly-dallied through a field and picked up random flowers (thoughts) so we get this instead. And another embarrassing thing to add is I had no idea what a muse was till recently😭 After some research (google), I have figured it out. I don't know if I particularly like this chapter to be honest, but it's something so here y'all go; it's no longer my problem. Thanks for the support and see you soon angels!❤️❤️