He was tired of the missed calls and decided to go and buy and new SIM card. He walked up and down the aisles of the little convenience store at the end of the street looking for what he wanted. He spotted it and picked up the little packet and checked the price. Minghao, suddenly concerned about how quickly he was eating into his money, went to put it back. But then he looked left and right, saw no one watching, and quickly stuffed it into his jacket pocket. Adrenaline coursed through his body as he quickly left the shop and headed around the corner, past the supermarket, and into the park.

As soon as he was sure he was safe he sat on a bench and cracked open the packet. He put the new SIM card into his phone and wrote the new number on the back of his hand. Minghao felt good. It wasn’t the first time he had stolen but it was the first time out of necessity. It was something he liked to dare the younger guys to do back home and he wouldn’t made someone do something he wouldn’t do himself. And tonight he got something he needed and kept his money in his pocket. He smiled to himself as he walked into the park ready to meet some new friends.

“Who are you?” a short kid with dyed blond hair accosted him as soon as he neared the place Renjun told him about. Kids were gathered on benches and on the grass. It was mostly dark but a big floodlight beat down on a half-pipe and a toilet block stood off to the side. The kid was arrogant and cocky but he spoke Minghao’s language and that was all that mattered. “I’m Minghao.” He said and the kid turned instantly from accusatory to friendly. “Renjun’s new friend!” He said with a grin. “I’m Chenle. Renjun and I live together, well more accurately he sleeps on my couch, but anyway come and join in.” The kid, who turned out to be older than he looked, dragged Minghao over and he was soon in the thick of the action. Girls and boys hung around on benches, some skating, some dancing, all laughing and having a good time. Renjun soon showed up and joined Minghao on a bench and began pointing people out.

“Most of these kids just like to hang around. But a few of us here are going to make it. They can keep their fancy performing arts schools and college education. I’m going to be accepted at SM and so is Chenle.” Renjun smiled as he watched his loud friend shriek with laughter as he flirted with a cute girl in a too-short skirt. “Chenle’s parents are rich. They pay for his apartment and I’m lucky enough to be able to crash there. He g