Time rewinds to the evening of December 31st.
Jing Zhengxuan held Huaixu through the blanket, restraining the beast in his heart.
Just being able to embrace Huaixu like this, breathing in his scent, was enough for him.
He couldn’t scare Huaixu away again.
But he never expected the sleeping man to suddenly murmur his name, tilting his flushed face up to kiss him.
Jing Zhengxuan didn’t dare move.
He blinked, his hands instinctively pulling Huaixu tighter against him.
Closing his eyes, he savored the soft, tender sensation on his lips, the corners of his mouth trembling uncontrollably.
Was Huaixu dreaming of him?
Was he kissing him in his dream?
The bitterness in his heart faded, replaced by a sweet, spreading warmth.
Huaixu must like him.
He must.
But then why had he suddenly run off alone?
Late to realize his feelings? Still unaware?
If that was the case, Jing Zhengxuan wished Huaixu would do even more in his dreams.
As this thought crossed his mind, a slick, nimble tongue began licking his lips.
Jing Zhengxuan: “!”
The beast in his heart roared, his blood boiling.
No matter how much self-control he had, he couldn’t withstand such temptation—especially when Huaixu was whispering his name in his sleep.
Jing Zhengxuan’s lips quivered faintly before parting slightly under Huaixu’s teasing tongue.
The playful tongue explored his mouth, clumsily tangling with his, testing the last shreds of his restraint.
“Ah-Xuan…”
Another murmur, and Jing Zhengxuan could feel Huaixu hardening beneath the blanket.
His blood burned, melting the chains binding the beast within. His self-control shattered completely under that whisper and Huaixu’s arousal.
In one swift motion, he flipped Huaixu beneath him, responding fervently to the kiss, sucking and teasing that inexperienced tongue.
But it wasn’t enough.
Jing Zhengxuan cupped Huaixu’s chin, tilting his face up to deepen the kiss, rougher, hungrier.
He had tried to hold back, but Huaixu was calling for him in his dreams—so passionate, so intoxicating.
He had to satisfy him.
Everything about Huaixu was sweet. A gentle nip on his neck left a pink mark, beautiful, tempting.
He wanted to cover him in such marks, so he couldn’t deny it when he woke.
Jing Zhengxuan kissed and licked him madly, while Huaixu arched into his touch, every sound and movement driving him wild.
A slight pain bloomed on his shoulder, but Jing Zhengxuan didn’t flinch, letting Huaixu bite him.
Huaixu was biting him—marking him. The thought thrilled him.
Did this mean Huaixu wanted to claim him too?
Now he really couldn’t take it back.
Where had he learned this? From those adult films?
A flicker of irritation crossed Jing Zhengxuan’s eyes as he intensified his movements.
Ten fingers raked down his back, leaving bright red trails, but Jing Zhengxuan felt no pain—only pleasure.
He really did like him.
Lost in the kiss, Jing Zhengxuan coaxed sweet, enticing sounds from Huaixu.
Had he learned this from those films too?
No experience, yet he’d watched so much—no wonder he slept in so often.
The irritation deepened, his grip tightening. Jing Zhengxuan felt himself slipping.
Where had he even found those films? Why hadn’t he just asked him?
Finally, his hand grew wet and sticky. Huaixu’s eyes flew open, panic-stricken.
Jing Zhengxuan licked his fingers. So sweet. He wanted to devour it all—but he couldn’t scare Huaixu away.
No rush. He’d get his fill eventually.
Huaixu liked him.
By the time he left the bathroom, Jing Zhengxuan had a plan.
That night, Huaixu and Jing Zhengxuan had a blast at the snow park. Bundled up, Huaixu didn’t feel cold at all.
During the snow tubing ride, Huaixu sat in front of Jing Zhengxuan as they slid down the slope. The icy wind whipped at his face, but he didn’t mind—it felt exhilarating.
The slope was gentle, the descent slow, yet Huaixu cheered like a child.
Jing Zhengxuan rested his chin on Huaixu’s shoulder, arms wrapped tightly around his waist, feeling the weight against his legs.
After all these years, Huaixu was still so thin.
His lips pressed together, guilt rising.
Even after reaching the bottom, Jing Zhengxuan refused to let go.
When Huaixu tried to stand, Jing Zhengxuan clung to him, chest pressed to back.
Huaixu’s face burned, grateful for the mask and scarf hiding his blush. But he could still feel countless eyes on them.
He took a step forward. Jing Zhengxuan followed, still holding him.
A step back, and Jing Zhengxuan only tightened his grip.
Huaixu: “…”
He lowered his head, elbowing the man behind him.
“Jing Zhengxuan, enough.”
Jing Zhengxuan’s chin rested on his shoulder.
Tilting his head, he brushed against Huaixu’s ear—though the hat between them dulled the contact.
With a hint of regret, he feigned innocence.
“What did I do?”
“You—!”
Huaixu huffed, ears tingling from the friction. Even through the hat, the sensation was electric.
His face flushed again.
“If you don’t let go, the trial period ends.”
“Really?”
Jing Zhengxuan only held him tighter, their bodies flush.
“Does that mean I’m officially hired?”
Huaixu turned to glare but froze—their faces were inches apart, separated only by fabric.
One wrong move, and they’d kiss.
Kiss.
The thought made him burn with embarrassment.
He snapped his head back, coughing awkwardly. “Let go, or you’re fired.”
“You’d really fire me?” Jing Zhengxuan nuzzled his ear again.
Huaixu covered his ears, flustered.
“I mean it. Three seconds. Three—”
“Fine, fine, I’ll let go.”
Jing Zhengxuan released him—only to immediately clasp Huaixu’s hand and tuck it into his pocket.
“Is this okay?”
Huaixu shot him a look but didn’t protest.
This was at least somewhat normal. Earlier, he’d wanted to bury himself in the snow.
They played more games, even building a lopsided snowman together.
Huaixu, a perfectionist, was so bothered by its misshapen head that he dragged Jing Zhengxuan away.
At the last second, Jing Zhengxuan snapped a photo of their disastrous creation.
At midnight, crowds gathered to count down. Fireworks lit the sky.
In Jing Zhengxuan’s coat pocket, their hands intertwined, warmth seeping into Huaixu’s skin, heating his heart.
Strange. Huaixu glanced at their feet.
His hands weren’t small, yet Jing Zhengxuan’s engulfed his completely.
And why did holding hands make his entire body burn?
Fireworks burst overhead.
Watching them outside was different—more hopeful. Tiny lights could brighten the vast night sky. Anything seemed possible.
Huaixu turned to Jing Zhengxuan.
Amid the noise, his hand remained securely in Jing Zhengxuan’s grasp—warm, solid.
Those cool brown eyes were fixed on him, had been for who knew how long. Even amidst the fireworks, Huaixu was the only thing reflected in them.
Jing Zhengxuan smiled, gaze unwavering.
The countdown began—ten, nine, eight…
Jing Zhengxuan shifted, facing Huaixu, tucking both his hands into his pockets.
Then, as the crowd shouted “two!”, he yanked down Huaixu’s scarf and mask.
“One!”
Cradling Huaixu’s face, Jing Zhengxuan kissed his wind-chilled lips.
Huaixu startled, lashes fluttering, fingers curling in Jing Zhengxuan’s pockets. Slowly, he closed his eyes.
“Zero!”
Jing Zhengxuan nipped his lower lip before slipping his tongue inside.
The midnight bell tolled. Fireworks exploded, painting the sky in light.
Amid the cheers, Huaixu breathed in Jing Zhengxuan’s clean, tea-like scent, lost in the kiss.
Dizzy, his legs weakened. He leaned into Jing Zhengxuan, forgetting they weren’t supposed to kiss like this, forgetting the crowd around them.
He simply surrendered.
The kiss was even better than in his dreams.
When Jing Zhengxuan finally pulled back, Huaixu was breathless.
Jing Zhengxuan stared at his lips, thumb brushing over them, desire burning in his eyes.
Unable to resist, he kissed him again before reluctantly covering him back up.
Huaixu, regaining his senses, peeked at the onlookers—curious, excited, shocked.
His face flamed. Thank goodness for the mask. He glared at Jing Zhengxuan. “Did I say you could kiss me?!”
Jing Zhengxuan licked his lips, wiping a tear from Huaixu’s eye.
“Sorry. I couldn’t help it.”
“You weren’t even trying to hold back,” Huaixu grumbled.
Jing Zhengxuan laughed, pulling him close. “I’m always holding back. Happy New Year, Ah-Xu.”
Huaixu buried his face in Jing Zhengxuan’s neck. “Happy New Year.”
Another year. They were twenty now.
Another firework burst, stars dancing in Huaixu’s eyes.
Back at the hotel, Jing Zhengxuan brewed ginger tea with medicinal herbs.
Even bundled up, the cold could seep in. Huaixu’s health was fragile—one misstep, and he’d end up hospitalized. Jing Zhengxuan never took chances.
After the tea, he insisted Huaixu take a hot bath to ward off illness.
Huaixu gave in.
Their luxury suite was immaculate, the tub already sanitized.
Huaixu sank into the rose-petal-strewn water, the steam soothing his skin.
He turned on the jets, leaning back with a sigh.
Then the door opened.
Huaixu jolted, turning away. “W-What are you doing?”
Wait—why was he nervous? They’d seen each other naked before. Since when did a confession change everything?
He forced himself to relax but still didn’t turn around.
Jing Zhengxuan wore only a towel, but on him, the standard size looked comically small, barely covering his hips and thighs.
Stranger still was how loosely it was tied—as if it might slip any second.
Huaixu’s face heated, his eyes tracing Jing Zhengxuan’s body:
Those unfairly long, muscular legs.
The perfectly defined V-line.
Eight symmetrical abs—a perfectionist’s dream.
Pecs so broad—were they soft or firm to touch?
Wait, he’d touched them before but couldn’t remember.
Shoulders so wide.
Biceps nearly as thick as his calves.
Why did a body he’d seen countless times suddenly feel so… overwhelming?
Jing Zhengxuan stepped closer.
Why?
What was he—
Huaixu looked up, alarmed. Jing Zhengxuan smiled. “Mind if I join? I’m cold too.”
Huaixu: “…”
Join him?
Just to soak?
Well, they had been outside for hours.
“F-Fine.” The tub was huge. Huaixu scooted over, careful not to dislodge his towel.
Jing Zhengxuan stepped in, water sloshing over the edge.
Huaixu kept his eyes averted until Jing Zhengxuan sat beside him, their shoulders touching. The contact sent a jolt through him.
He flinched, curling in on himself, his blush spreading to his neck and collarbones—accentuating the love bites there.
Jing Zhengxuan, who had been leaning back, turned to face him, propping an arm on the tub’s edge. His gaze lingered on the marks, hungry.
He wanted more.
Suppressing the urge, he slid an arm around Huaixu’s waist, forcing eye contact.
“What’s wrong, Ah-Xu?”
His leg brushed Huaixu’s.
Huaixu squirmed, but Jing Zhengxuan’s grip was unyielding.
He couldn’t meet his eyes.
Who could, in this situation?
Huaixu glanced down, relieved his towel was secure.
“N-Nothing.”
Though covered, he was painfully aware of what lay beneath.
His ears burned.
A loose fold in Jing Zhengxuan’s towel caught his eye—revealing a glimpse of…
Huaixu’s eyes widened.
That… size…
Was that even human?
And in a relaxed state?!
He gulped.
Terrifying.
How was Jing Zhengxuan so… gifted everywhere?!
Not fair!
Noticing his stare, Jing Zhengxuan smirked, leaning close. “Ah-Xu, is this because of me?”
His knee nudged Huaixu’s thigh.
Huaixu shuddered, biting his lip.
“Shut up! This is normal! Let go!”
Jing Zhengxuan chuckled, tilting Huaixu’s chin up. “You’re evaluating me, right? Give me a chance.”
Huaixu hesitated. “What chance?”
In one swift motion, Jing Zhengxuan spun Huaixu around, pulling him into his lap. Before Huaixu could react, a large hand closed around him, stroking expertly.
Huaixu gasped. “Jing Zhengxuan! What are you—!”
The rest was lost as he melted against Jing Zhengxuan, head thrown back, lips parted, eyes glazed.
“You… just wait…”
Jing Zhengxuan kissed his neck, leaving fresh marks.
Huaixu tried to push him away but had no strength left.
“Relax, Ah-Xu,” Jing Zhengxuan murmured, nipping his ear. “I’m helping you warm up.”
Huaixu wanted to protest, but the pleasure was undeniable. He bit his lip to stifle his moans.
Jing Zhengxuan cupped his jaw, forcing his mouth open before claiming it in a searing kiss.
Huaixu felt Jing Zhengxuan’s tongue plunder his mouth, the heat between them growing unbearable.
Something pressed against him—
Freshly showered and dressed, Huaixu stepped out to find Jing Zhengxuan waiting with a hairdryer.
They stood before the mirror, Huaixu noting how much smaller he looked beside Jing Zhengxuan—both in height and build.
His shoulders weren’t narrow, but next to Jing Zhengxuan, he seemed delicate.
Jing Zhengxuan’s fingers carded through his hair, the warm air soothing. Everything felt normal.
If not for the marks on his neck.
If not for how close Jing Zhengxuan stood.
The room was warm, their silk pajamas thin—Huaixu’s ivory, Jing Zhengxuan’s black.
Once, Huaixu might’ve called them matching. Now, he suspected Jing Zhengxuan had planned this all along.
They stood close, just like at the snow park—but without layers between them, the heat was undeniable.
Huaixu’s face burned.
Annoying. He was blushing nonstop lately.
Was Jing Zhengxuan feverish?
Every point of contact burned—arms, chest, thighs.
Huaixu studied him in the mirror. Jing Zhengxuan met his gaze, brow raised. What?
Huaixu licked his lips. The heat was spreading, his own body responding.
Their throats bobbed in unison.
Jing Zhengxuan’s ears were red.
Huaixu’s face flamed. He inched forward, but Jing Zhengxuan followed.
Huaixu: “…”
He sighed at their reflection.
Once his hair was dry, Huaixu turned, pushing Jing Zhengxuan back. “Do you have a fever?”
Jing Zhengxuan stepped closer, guiding Huaixu’s hand to his forehead. “Do I?”
Huaixu yanked his hand back, retreating. “Act normal!”
He bolted for the bed.
Jing Zhengxuan watched him flee, amused.
Lying down, Huaixu regretted his decisions. He shouldn’t have given Jing Zhengxuan a chance—he should’ve refused outright!
In such a short time since the confession, he constantly felt like Jing Zhengxuan wanted to devour him.
He needed to take back control!
But when Jing Zhengxuan joined him in bed, he let himself be pulled into another kiss…
Comments
Post a Comment