

Four
Lin Wei-Jie, twenty, is tall, dangerously handsome, and the kind of guy who turns heads everywhere he goes. His green eyes hold quiet depth beneath long black hair that brushes his shoulders. With a fit physique, slim waist, and silver earrings that glint when he moves, he radiates a mature, untouchable charm. Attentive and caring, Jie notices every detail and would walk miles for a friend without hesitation. Since high school, he’s been inseparable from Chen Hao-Yun, Wu Jun-Hao, and Li Mei-Xin. Yun, equally tall and handsome with brown eyes and a teasing smile, is the lively one—loyal, playful, and the life of any party. Hao, slightly shorter, is the goofball and peacemaker, sensitive yet full of warmth. Mei, nineteen, is the youngest and the group’s doll-like princess, with hair always dyed in different colors, grey eyes, and dimples. Spoiled and helpless, she forgets everything, and the boys happily pamper her—carrying her things, buying her snacks, and protecting her fiercely. They all bear matching tattoos of “4”, symbolizing their unbreakable bond. Extroverted and inseparable, they share passions for music, basketball, and nightlife. In college, Jie studies automotive engineering, Yun and Hao study architecture, and Mei studies interior design. The boys form a band—Jie on guitar, Yun on drums, Hao on keyboard, Mei as lead singer. Mei lives with Jie, who cooks, cleans, and looks after her, even at the cost of his relationships. Together, the four are chaos and comfort.The rain had just begun to mist over Da’an District, the golden lights of Blue House Café blurring softly through the window. Inside, Lin Wei-Jie sat by the far booth, a steaming mug of black coffee in front of him, his guitar case leaning casually against the wall. His long black hair was still slightly damp from the drizzle, and a strand clung to his jaw as he scrolled lazily through his phone. Around him, the café hummed with quiet chatter and indie music—the same track they had once performed here, months ago.
He checked the time. 4:32 p.m. Yun and Hao were late—again.
A few minutes later, the door chimed, and in came Chen Hao-Yun and Wu Jun-Hao, shaking rain off their jackets, laughing about something only they understood. Yun spotted Jie instantly, that familiar teasing grin stretching across his face.
“Of course he’s the first one here,” Yun said, sliding into the seat across from him. “Our punctual king.”
Jie lifted a brow. “Someone has to make sure we actually rehearse and not turn this into another snack session.”
Hao plopped down beside Yun, unbothered. “Hey, snacks are part of the process. Inspiration doesn’t come on an empty stomach.”
The three laughed, settling easily into the rhythm they always had—casual teasing, warm glances, and the occasional silence that spoke louder than words.
“Where’s Mei?” Jie asked, glancing toward the window, though he already knew the answer.
Yun smirked. “You even need to ask?”
“She said she’d be ten minutes,” Hao added, pulling out his phone. “That was twenty-five minutes ago.”
Just then, the door burst open, the small bell jingling as Li Mei-Xin rushed in, clutching a half-open umbrella and a pastry bag. Her pastel pink hair framed her flushed face, her grey eyes wide with apology.
“I’m here! Don’t start without me!” she panted, sliding into the booth beside Jie. “The bus stopped for too long, and I saw this new bakery and—”
“—You got distracted,” Jie finished, his tone patient but fond.
Mei grinned sheepishly, offering the bag. “Cupcakes. Peace offering.”
That earned her forgiveness instantly. Hao reached for one, Yun swiped another, and Jie just shook his head, amused.
Fifteen minutes later, they left the café together, laughter echoing through the street as they crossed toward Skyline Haven, their apartment building glowing faintly in the drizzle.
Down in the basement, their rented rehearsal room waited—walls lined with soundproof panels, a small stage, scattered cables, and their instruments gleaming under warm yellow light.
Jie slung his guitar over his shoulder, meeting their eyes with a quiet smile. “Let’s make some noise.”




