Lying in bed, Luo Muchen couldn’t help but watch Qie Xieling’s peaceful face, illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlight filtering through the gaps in the curtains.

Qie Xieling was fast asleep, his gentle breathing creating a soothing rhythm in the room. In that quiet moment, Luo Muchen felt an overpowering surge of affection for his boyfriend. If Qie Xieling had rejected him today he might have had the chance to escape. Now that he had accepted him there was nowhere to run.

He gently caressed Qie Xieling’s soft skin his eyes a reflection of his true feelings towards his lover. From the moment Qie Xieling accepted him Luo Muchen felt like his life was complete. It was as though every puzzle piece had put itself in its place. He found himself naturally falling into his role as his boyfriend which was incredibly puzzling. Even Qie Xieling acted so familiarly like they weren’t fighting a few days ago.

His cell phone on the dresser vibrated several times. Afraid the light would wake Qie Xieling, he carefully slipped out of his warm embrace. He soon managed to free himself from the bed without disturbing his slumbering partner. However, as Luo Muchen’s feet touched the cool floor, Qie Xieling stirred, sensing the absence beside him. His drowsy voice filled the room, "Mu Mu, where are you going?"

Startled, Luo Muchen turned to face Qie Xieling and pulled up the covers for him before saying, "I am just heading to the kitchen to get some water," he replied softly, hoping his explanation would be enough to put Qie Xieling at ease. Luo Muchen knew he needed a moment to check his messages and emails so he said that.

"Mn... bring me a chicken wing," mumbled Qie Xieling in his sleep as he turned over.

Luo Muchen, "..."

Left alone in the dimly lit kitchen, Luo Muchen took out his cell phone and scrolled through his office emails and messages. His men had informed him that Lee Ya was about to receive a big blow tomorrow and that everything was ready. Recalling how Lee Ya had the audacity to touch Qie Xieling Luo Muchen couldn’t resist typing back a response that said, "Burn down her entire house."

Before he wanted to slowly ruin her life but his jealousy couldn’t let her off that easy. He took a sip from the glass of water while absentmindedly checking the pictures of Qie Xieling’s updates. They had spent the night together for the better part of the evening so this picture could only have been uploaded while he was here.

His new boyfriend had uploaded a picture, but it appeared blurred as if captured through a veil of uncertainty. Intrigued, Luo Muchen tapped on the image but his momentary joy was quickly replaced by a bittersweet feeling.

The picture was of him but a chrysanthemum flower sticker superimposed over his face blocked his identity. Luo Muchen’s heart sank as he made assumptions about the symbolism behind the image. It was a reflection of the uncertainties that lingered between them, the hidden doubts and unspoken fears that threatened to disrupt their happiness or in other words, Qie Xieling wasn’t claiming him like he said in the interview.

In that quiet kitchen, illuminated by the soft glow of the street lights outside, Luo Muchen felt a surge of emotions. Love and longing, mixed with a tinge of sadness, swirled within him. He knew that their relationship was fresh out of the oven but still, he wanted Qie Xieling to lay claim loud and proud.

With a heavy sigh, Luo Muchen locked his cell phone a very bad idea already looming over his head. He washed the glass and went back to the bedroom to lie next to Qie Xieling.

***

"I am about to leave so come here," said Luo Muchen calling Qie Xieling over. Qie Xieling who was still curled up under the covers refused to move. He further curled up scrunching the covers so they wouldn’t be torn away.

"No, the sun is too bright. I am like a vampire. The sun will burn my ass," he said in a muffled voice.

Luo Muchen let out a throaty chuckle before grabbing the covers. Qie Xieling tried to struggle but it was pointless.

"Come my little vampire. You can drink my blood," he said while helping him up.

Qie Xieling was as stiff as an ironing board refusing to get up. It took Luo Muchen pinching his nipple for him to react.

"Aah Mu Mu... you little rascal. It’s so sensitive. Last night you sucked on it like you were anticipating milk to come out," complained Qie Xieling while pulling his t-shirt to take a look.

Luo Muchen further pulled the t-shirt collar to see too while saying, "Let me see." He was acting all generous but his intentions weren’t pure.

"No... pervert," said Qie Xieling while covering up.

Luo Muchen chuckled as he pulled him up. He put on his slippers and sluggishly followed him.

His hair was a tousled mess, and his sleepy expression added to his dishevelled appearance.

Standing behind Qie Xieling, Luo Muchen caught a glimpse of their reflection in the mirror. He couldn’t resist the opportunity and swiftly captured the moment with his phone, their intertwined figures framed within the glass. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

Qie Xieling turned around, his half-awake eyes meeting Luo Muchen’s gaze. Seeing the mischief in his eyes, he couldn’t help but smile. Leaning in, he pressed a gentle kiss on Luo Muchen’s cheek. As he pulled away, he tilted his head slightly, elongating his neck to reveal the faint marks of last night’s passionate escapades, the hickeys adorning his neck and shoulders.

Luo Muchen’s breath hitched at the sight, a mix of desire and admiration for his work flooding his being. He raised his cell phone again, capturing the sensual and sweet moment between them.

"Mu Mu, you are evil," said Qie Xieling already thinking of the warm bed beside him. He was so sleepy yet Luo Muchen was taking pictures of him looking a mess.

Luo Muchen bent down and picked up Qie Xieling in a princess carry before placing him on the bed.

"I promise I will make it up to you," he said before kissing his forehead.