Captured By The Cold Detective (BL)

He Juan pondered over his choices, but in the end he still could not help but ask, "Xiao Ze, did something... happen?"

However, Mu Yuze merely shook his head in reply.

He Juan pressed his lips tight. The surging frustration, which had quite subsided thanks to burying himself in work and seeing Mu Yuze again after six long days, slammed back like a tidal wave and almost knocked him breathless. His knuckles tightened and the violent urge to destroy coursed through his body like lightning, sharp and fierce. He bit back a curse. As expected, he should have waited for a few more days before seeing Mu Yuze again, but his desire to see the boy, to make sure that he was safe and sound preset over everything else and he ended up ignoring the obvious warning signs.

Goodness, he should have known it. He should have known that Alpha would become volatile after an unsatisfying rut. He should have delayed his return at least until he returned to be the calm and composed He Juan rather than facing Mu Yuze in such an unstable state. Alas, everything was already too late.

"Wait a minute," was what he managed to say before he shot up to his feet and rushed to the kitchen. He opened the refrigerator, grabbed a bottle of milk tea and gulped down two mouthfuls, relishing in the icy sweetness that rolled down his throat.

The sweet and savory taste loosened the unknown tension on his shoulders, allowing him to get a brief respite from the negative emotions. He took a few more sips and regulated his breathing until he could feel his Alpha calming down. Only then did he close the refrigerator and turn back.

Back in the living room, he saw that Mu Yuze was still sitting on the spot where He Juan left him, unmoving, as if he had turned into a frozen statue that matched the snowy landscape outside. Just like that, the last traces of frustration in his heart melted away to be replaced with utter distress and worry.

What should he do? It was really impossible to be mad at the boy...

"Ugh, I’m so sorry..." He Juan slumped down on the couch unceremoniously and took another chug of the milk tea as if he was downing beer. He tilted his head sideways and chuckled when he saw Mu Yuze’s dumbfounded face. What? Was it so surprising to see him like this? Sighing, he grumbled, "My day has not been so great, but at least the milk tea is still as delicious as ever. Milk tea always makes people feel better, don’t you agree, Xiao Ze?"

The corner of Mu Yuze’s lips twitched into a faint smile and like a magic, the weirdly strained atmosphere between them instantly eased. "I don’t like sweets," the boy deadpanned.

Of course, He Juan knew that but he still played along as if it was the first time he had ever heard it. He let out a gasp and clutched the bottled milk tea to his chest with a horrified look. "How can you dislike sweets? Are you even human?!"

Mu Yuze let out a disdainful snort, a hint of amusement flashing in his black-blue eyes. It swept away the lingering gloom around him and allowed He Juan to see Mu Yuze whom he had severely missed. Not the Mu Yuze who would hang his head low and shrink into himself, but the Mu Yuze who was super protective of his birthday cake, who would bristle, sulk and shoot He Juan a fierce glare if he did or say something absurd.

He still had no idea why Mu Yuze looked so lonely and forlorn a moment ago, but if the boy was unwilling to tell him, then so be it. He Juan would just stay by his side and amuse him until he would no longer be sad anymore.

"Oh! I sent you a message, did you read it?" He Juan straightened up and opened the plastic bags in front of him. He took out the insulation boxes and placed them in front of Mu Yuze. And as soon as he opened the lids, a mouth-watering and appetizing scent instantly exploded in the air. He Juan started to explain enthusiastically like a food guide. "This is red dates and lotus seeds porridge, and this one is mutton soup. Hmm, can you smell how fragrant it is, Xiao Ze? The soup has been stewed for hours until it becomes thick and creamy. Don’t forget to try the mutton too, it’s so tender and juicy!"

Mu Yuze could not even take his gaze off the lavish food in front of him. He gulped down his saliva and heard his stomach growl in great interest.

"Ha!" He Juan laughed out loud and handed Mu Yuze the spoon. "I knew you would like it! Here, be careful. It’s still hot."

"Mn," Mu Yuze nodded and accepted the spoon. He carefully scooped up a bit of porridge and brought it into his mouth under He Juan’s expectant stare.

"Is it delicious?" he asked, smiling so wide that his eyes turned into crescents.

Mu Yuze nodded again. The light yet flavorful porridge spread in his mouth and he couldn’t help but take another spoonful. Anything He Juan gave him had been delicious – he was not a picky eater as long as it’s not sweet – but today it was even more so. Mu Yuze did not say how he seemed to have lost all appetites ever since He Juan was gone. However, he forced himself to eat everything like normal because he knew that Chen Youzhi would definitely report it back to the man if he were to show any unusual behavior. He often felt nauseous, dreading the time when he had to sit on the dining table either alone or with Chen Youzhi in front of him.

And it was not until today that he felt true hunger for the first time. He was so famished that his stomach felt like caving in, and thus his eating speed became quicker and quicker.

"Slow down..." He Juan gently held his wrist to stop him from choking on the food, his silver eyes mirthful. "It’s okay, just take your time. The food will not go anywhere, okay? It’s all yours."

Mu Yuze nodded with his cheeks bulging like a hamster, ears flushing crimson. Heeding He Juan’s advice this time, he slowed down and made sure to savor each mouthful to his heart’s content.

Beside him, He Juan opened his own box and slurped down the porridge too, groaning and panting everytime it was too hot.

A warm atmosphere eventually enveloped the two. It was as if this house had become a safe haven that would shield them from the freezing weather. There was no disturbance, no distraction, no intruder. Just the two of them spending time together. As long as they stayed here, everything would be okay.

Mu Yuze lowered his eyes to hide the smile. Yes, just like this... see, nothing changed between him and He Juan at all. He truly had no idea what he was so afraid of these past few days.

As they were sharing a bowl of mutton soup, Mu Yuze finally asked the question that had been plaguing his mind for days. "Your rut... how is it?"