Kris slowly turned back towards the man, his eyebrows scrunched together as his expression was serious. Tao stood by, looking back and forth between Kris and the mysterious fortune-teller, not sure how to react.

"How… did you know about that?" Kris asked in a low voice, his tone apprehensive. He did not mention anything about his dreams, nor even drop a hint about it. How could the man have known? Was he really a genuine fortune-teller?

The man looked at Kris, scrutinising him, before turning his gaze to Tao and observing him as well, as if he was trying to read who they were. The man merely nodded his head in approval, before turning his back on them.

"Those dreams are trying to tell you something. If you take a moment to ponder and understand, you would know. From this moment on, they will occur to you even more often, as you start to realise things. And when they do occur, observe yourself, and think hard on why you're dreaming them again."

"What do you mean?" Kris could only ask, as he really had no idea where the man wanted to go about with this conversation. He was so confused right now, and he had every right to be. "First off, though, can you please explain to me how you knew about my dreams? And how am I supposed to know what they're telling me? I don't even know those people!"

"I am a fortune-teller. I can see right through you, your experiences, your dreams… everything. I know who you are… and who you were." The man put a strange emphasis on the last word, which threw Kris even more off. Could he be talking about his past? But what connection does that have with his dreams, then? He really didn't understand anything right now. He glanced towards Tao, his eyes asking for help, but Tao could only shoot him an equally bewildered look while shrugging his shoulders and shaking his head.

"Could you at least… tell me something helpful? Like anything that would help me figure out what those dreams mean? Because they had been occurring to me almost every night for the past few months, but then it stopped last night. I don't know if it was due to my tiredness, or anything… but now that you mention all this, it might not be just a coincidence." Kris waited for a meaningful reply. Instead, the man led him towards the black table, beckoning him to sit on the chair. Kris complied, while the man took the other seat opposite him.

"I cannot tell you what they mean. I can only guide and help you, so that you'll understand and won't miss the point. When did your dreams start?"

Kris pondered for a moment, trying to recall. "About a few months ago… I don't remember exactly when."

"And within those few months, did anything happen to you? A significant event? Someone you had met, perhaps?"

"Ah… No, not that I-- well, I did meet someone."

"And who was that someone?"

Kris gestured to Tao, who was now leaning against the wall by the entrance. "Him."

"I see." The man nodded slowly, thinking for a moment. "You can start from there. I am sure that you will figure out the rest, at the right time. I cannot tell you any more than this." The man stood up and turned back to go to the back room, but Kris quickly grabbed his hand, holding him back.

"No, wait! How is that supposed to help me? You mean my dreams have something in connection with him?" 

"Your dreams have everything to do with him." The man gently pried Kris' hand off his wrist. "I will tell you one thing: you cannot change what has been destined. Remember that." The man then finally disappeared into the back room, leaving Kris and Tao alone.

Dejected and even more perplexed than ever, Kris grabbed Tao's hand without even realising it, leading him out of the shop. Tao blinked in confusion as he allowed himself to be led, though he was curious as to what had transpired.

"Kris-ge? Are you alright? What did the man say?" Tao did not hear their conversation, apparently. Kris merely sighed, not knowing how to explain things.

"I don't know. He said a bunch of weird stuff that I don't even understand. He didn't answer any of my questions, and what's worse, he left me with even more questions! I just don't know how to deal with it. I'm too confused with everything right now." He couldn't really tell Tao that the man had just said that he is the reason for his dreams. That would be just too awkward, and weird.

"That's alright, just take your time to process things. I'm sure you'll figure it out in no time." Tao said reassuringly as he patted his shoulder. "By the way, uhm… you can let go of my hand now."

"Huh? Oh, right. Sorry about that." Kris let go of Tao's hand slowly, his mind still elsewhere, trying to figure out what just transpired. They walked in silence until they reached Kris' house.

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Kris lay in his bed, tossing and turning. He couldn't fall asleep, not after what the man had said. He glanced at his clock; 1 am. He should have long dozed off by now.

He opted to just stare at the ceiling and ponder about the day's events. What did the man mean by saying that his dreams were connected to Tao? That was impossible. Before he had met him online, he didn't even know who he was! It just didn't make any sense.

All I know is that I have to observe myself every time I dream. I have to see what my reactions are to certain things… and then try to connect them. And I also have to remember that Tao is somehow connected to everything. Okay. I can figure this out. I can do this!

With that thought in mind, he soon fell asleep, his fatigue finally taking over.

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Instead of waking up to his alarm clock, Kris was pulled out of his slumber by his phone ringing. Cracking one eye open, he groaned as he rolled himself out of bed, then crawled to the other side of the room to where his jeans were sprawled out on a chair to reach into the pocket and answer the call.

"Hnng-oh?" Kris mumbled, his senses not even fully awake yet. What time was it anyway? Lay was on the other line, his voice tired.

"Kris! You need to wake up now, I'm coming to pick you up in fifteen minutes. Wake Tao up too. The director of the movie just called me, and said there was an emergency he needed to discuss. Hurry, ok?"

"Nngh. Five minutes." Kris nodded, not really comprehending anything yet, as he turned the call off and lay sprawled on the floor, not really caring that it was cold. He went to bed quite late, and since he didn't get his full eight hours yet (it was only 6 am), he was still too sleepy to function.

Meanwhile, Tao himself had already woken up, not aware that there was a change in schedule, as he went out of his room. He heard Kris talking, presumably on his phone, and then after that he didn't hear anything anymore. Thinking that he probably went back to sleep, he went into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

Precisely fifteen minutes later, there came a knock on the door. Tao put down his ladle and went to answer the knock, surprised that Lay stood outside.

"Lay? I thought Kris-ge's schedule didn't start until 8?" Tao asked in confusion as he let Lay in. Lay kicked off his shoes at the entrance, looking quite agitated.

"Kris didn't tell you? I called him 15 minutes ago to wake him up!" Lay hurried into Kris' room, throwing the door open. "Kris, didn't I te-- KRIS!" Lay shouted as he saw Kris sprawled on the floor, thinking that something bad had happened to him. Tao ran into the room when he heard Lay shout, and gasped.

"Kris-ge!" Tao immediately ran to Kris' side, shaking him frantically, worry and fear written on his face. Kris merely groaned when he was shaken, and then his eyes suddenly shot open as he sat up immediately, Tao still holding onto his shoulders.

"What are you two doing to me?" Kris, now wide awake and mildly annoyed, questioned both of them. Lay and Tao both let out a breath of relief.

"Thank goodness you're alright! I thought something had happened to you!" Tao couldn't help but pull Kris into a hug, as he was genuinely worried and scared.

"I thought you were dead or something. You were sprawled across the floor like a dead body." Lay merely said, leaning by the doorframe while he observed the two boys.

Kris, flustered at the sudden hug that Tao gave him, didn't say anything. He waited until Tao let go of him, before he managed to squeak out in a small voice, "I'm… okay."

Tao, finally realising what he just did, quickly moved back and cleared his throat, his cheeks flushed. "Ah… I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me to do that. We're not even that close… this is embarrassing."

"It… It's fine. It's nice to know someone cared about me to worry that much." Kris couldn't help but blush as well, but he managed a small, shy smile. Lay rolled his eyes with a mischievous grin directed towards the two boys.

"I hate to interrupt this lovely moment between you two, but as you would know, we're late for the emergency meeting with the movie director. If you could both please get up and prepare to go, that would be much appreciated." Without even waiting for a reply, Lay went out and closed the door behind him, leaving the two alone.

"Lay's just like that. Don't mind him." Kris finally stood up from the floor, holding out his hand for Tao, which Tao gratefully took. He pulled him up to his feet, and then went into the bathroom to wash his face. Tao went to the dressing room to go pick out Kris' clothes, still quite flustered, but starting to calm down as well.

After fifteen minutes, everyone was ready as they all filed into the van and sped to the broadcasting station. Once they got there, they bowed in apology to the director and to everyone, who they had kept waiting. The director, being a patient man, forgave them as he finally asked everyone to gather around.

"I have a very important announcement to make. The Wushu instructor I hired suddenly had family problems he had to take care of back home, and because of this he can't continue working with us anymore. As you all know, the fighting scenes are a crucial part of this movie… And I don't know if we can find a replacement just as easily, because he is a real Wushu master who I had hired specially from China. So I called you all here to tell you that the filming will be postponed for an indefinite time."

Everyone gasped and whispered amongst themselves, a tense and agitated aura filling the air. What would they do now? Kris, who had been very excited with filming the movie, was disheartened.

Suddenly, to the surprise of everyone, Tao raised his hand and spoke up loudly for everyone to hear. "I'll do it!"

The director blinked at him, confused. "Eh? You'll do what?"

Tao smiled and bowed at the director. "I can do Wushu. I've studied and practiced it since I was six years old. I may not be as good as the master, but I assure you that I can teach it to whoever needs to learn it."

The director, smiling expectantly, stepped back and asked everyone to do the same. "Alright… then show us what you can do." His face was expectant and bright. He really did not want to cancel the shooting; he was hoping and praying that Tao was indeed good.

He would not be disappointed. Unbeknownst to people, Tao actually joined in many Wushu competitions back when he was still living in China, and had won first place in most of them. He was not only good; he was the best of the best.

Kris, curious as well, decided to stay in one corner from where he could see Tao clearly, his eyes focused only on him. Tao, meanwhile, had already detached himself from his surroundings the minute he walked onto the space where he was to show his skills.

In an instant, he transformed into a fierce being so different from his usual demeanour. His gaze suddenly turned dark and hauntingly piercing, so passionate that it made everyone hold in their breaths and freeze in their places. And then, Tao started.

He ran forward and jumped once into the air, flawlessly performing a flying kick as he touched his hand with his foot easily. He landed smoothly and performed a roll on the floor, before quickly getting up and getting into position once more. He flew and spun in the air like he was attached to wires, but in reality he wasn't. His thirteen years of practice did pull off, as he did all the moves seemingly effortlessly.

Spinning in the air countless times, he performed the cartwheel kick, his legs ruler-straight as he did so. His moves were too fast for the untrained eyes to follow, and his flexibility was beyond compare. He landed smoothly and lightly, his stance firm and balanced even after the elaborate routine.

His head suddenly whipping to the side, he caught sight of a prop sword which he swiftly ran to and grabbed, brandishing and twisting it in the air as he performed even more moves with it. It really showed that his specialty was the swords, as he lightly flicked his wrist and the sword moved to his command, the sharp yet lithe material seemingly dancing in his hands.

Tao finished his routine smoothly as he returned to the action stance, sword pointing straight at the imaginary enemy ahead. Sweat was trickling down his forehead and back by the time he had finished demonstrating, his gaze slowly turning back to normal as he bowed to the audience formally. Everyone was holding their breath throughout the demonstration, and when he was done, everyone was silent for a moment as they were all rendered speechless. Suddenly, the director initiated a slow clap, and soon everyone was clapping after, filling the whole studio with a thunderous applause. Tao couldn't help but feel happy and satisfied with himself as he gave out a big smile, bowing to everyone humbly. 

Kris, on the other hand, could only stare at Tao stupidly with his mouth wide open, still not believing what he had seen. Lay rolled his eyes in amusement and went over to Kris to tap him on the shoulder, breaking him from his reverie. Kris, realising how stupid he probably looked, quickly regained his composure and ran over to Tao's side.

"How did you do that?! I didn't know you could do such things! You're so good! Where did you learn? When did you learn?!" Kris was like an excited kid in a candy store as he continued firing out words from his mouth. Tao laughed sheepishly, putting the prop sword away that he didn't notice he was still holding.

"I already told you earlier, I learned since I was six years old. It's been thirteen years since then… but I'm not as good as the master you hired. Though I promise I'll do my best."

"No, no, you're plenty talented!" The director butted in with a praise as he patted Tao on the shoulder with a reassuring smile. "Would you mind being our Wushu trainer then? We can talk about salaries and other formalities later if you would like."

"Of course sir, it would be my pleasure." Tao bowed towards the director, shaking his hand firmly and politely with both of his. "If you don't mind, I would like to start today. After all, you were supposed to film anyway, if I'm not wrong?"

"Yes, yes, please do!" The director was really impressed with Tao's passion and dedication by this point, as he gestured over to Kris. "Kris-ssi would be the first one who needs to learn all the basics. Once he gets the basics down, then we can move on to shooting for real, with the wires. Can you also choreograph group fight scenes?"

"It's not a problem, sir. I've done group Wushu performances. I'm sure I can choreograph some fight scenes as well."

"We're really lucky to have you, then! You're everything we need and more!" The director genuinely remarked, then turned to all the other staff while clapping his hands loudly to get everyone to work and start setting up.

"Is it hard to learn?" Kris grabbed a sword and started swinging it around, a goofy smile on his face. For some reason, Tao being his Wushu instructor made him ecstatic beyond compare. Tao pondered for a moment, and then shook his head.

"No, if you're dedicated to it and you're willing to learn." Tao swiftly grabbed the sword from Kris, then demonstrated how to hold it properly while speaking. "Though… Since you're already 22 years old, you might have a hard time developing the flexibility needed for this… so it might be wise for you to start stretching first until you can kick straight."

"What? So I can't go straight to learning the cool sword moves you just did earlier?" Kris protested.

"I know it's boring, but you're going to have to do it… unless you want to get painful muscle cramps every single time you try to do a simple kick." Tao was already speaking in a chiding tone, as he gestured over to the nearby wall. "Go there. We'll try to stretch your legs out."

"Geez, you're very detailed, aren't you? The master only wanted me to learn the basics, and that was it." Kris pouted like a child, but he did as he was told. The minute he was facing the wall, Tao stood beside him and raised his leg and placed his foot flat on the wall, and then leaned forward to touch his foot with his forehead. Kris winced, his eyes widening.

"What the-- how do you expect me to do that?!"

Tao looked towards Kris, leaning his chin on his foot as if it was nothing. "If you're going to learn Wushu, you're going to have to be this flexible. Your legs have to be straight up, especially if you're doing spins or kicks in mid-air."

Kris gulped, and then turned back to the wall and lifted his right leg up and placed his foot flat on the wall, though not as high up as Tao's. He tried to replicate the stretching Tao just did, but immediately felt a sharp pain down his inner thigh.

"OUCH!!!" Kris exclaimed rather loudly as he quickly put his leg back down and sat on the floor, clutching his thigh while groaning in pain. Tao, instead of helping him, laughed at him as he bent down and offered a hand.

"Who said that you could do it on your first try?! You should have leaned forward slowly! And this is precisely the pain you're going to feel every time you do a simple routine if you don't learn how to stretch!"

"Ahhh, how the heck can you be that flexible?" Kris cried in protest as he took Tao's hand, who immediately pulled him up. Tao let go of his hand and led him back to the wall, this time guiding him.

"First, just lean forward slowly, okay?" Once Kris was in position, Tao stood behind Kris and leaned forward towards him, laying his hands gently on his back. Kris felt all his blood rush to his face as he realised their close proximity and compromising position. He felt his heartbeat quicken by the second as sweat trickled down his forehead. Tao, on the other hand, did not even realise anything as he was too focused on helping Kris learn.

Due to his flustered state, Kris didn't even realise that Tao was already pushing him further forward. All that was registering to him is that, somehow, Tao was getting closer and closer to him, until at last Tao was somewhat hugging him from behind.

"You did it." Tao whispered directly into his ear, leaning over Kris' shoulder to give him an encouraging smile. The words were lost to Kris; all that was running in his mind right now is the fact that Tao was too close for comfort. He prayed hard that Tao wouldn't hear his madly thumping heart, as it was deafening to his ears. Thankfully, Tao immediately pulled away and patted him on the shoulder.

"Good, now try your left leg!"

This was going to be the longest practice session ever.

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A/N: I will admit, this was the hardest chapter ever for me to write, mainly because of Tao's Wushu demonstration scene. I even finished chapter 5 and part of chapter 6 before I even finished this, lol. I tried really hard to make my words describe his awesomeness, but I think I fell a tad short on that one. Sorry for the short chapter! Anyways~ I hope you guys enjoyed this. I was supposed to combine the contents of chapter 4 and 5, but I felt that it was better ending it at this point, because then the start of chapter 5 will be smoother. xD