Ch38 - (II). Finally Together Again

“I—I…”

Rong Jun stammered helplessly, unable to finish his sentence no matter how hard he tried.

His whole body was stiff, like a statue. Trapped in Yan Chen’s arms, he didn’t dare move at all. The slight tremor in his pupils betrayed the panic churning inside him.

The person he had yearned for so long was now right in his arms.

Rong Jun’s scent lingered so close to him. Warm, soft, and calming. Yan Chen could hear the faint rhythm of his breathing, the rapid beating of his heart. It felt as though he had gathered everything that belonged to Rong Jun into his embrace.

In that instant, an overwhelming sense of happiness filled his chest.

Yan Chen leaned closer and tentatively brushed the tip of his nose against Rong Jun’s cheek.

“Qingqing,” he murmured softly.

He knew very well that if he teased him now or pressed him too hard, the proud white peacock in his arms would surely panic and spread its wings to escape.

Rong Jun shuddered when his cheek was touched. The sensation was like a faint electric current running through his body.

The tension in his shoulders eased for a moment, but as soon as he realized how close they were, his fingers immediately clenched nervously around the loose fabric of Yan Chen’s trousers.

“…Why are you doing this?” Rong Jun muttered in a faintly complaining tone.

His head lowered unconsciously. Soft silver strands of hair slipped down and brushed lightly across Yan Chen’s cheek.

Yan Chen exhaled quietly.

Slowly, almost reluctantly, he loosened his hold.

Then he grasped Rong Jun’s shoulders and gently turned him around. His hands came up, lifting Rong Jun’s flushed face so their gazes met directly.

From beginning to end, Rong Jun did not resist.

His hands still clutched Yan Chen’s clothes tightly. His body remained stiff with tension.

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The hand gripping Yan Chen’s trousers slowly relaxed. After a moment of hesitation, his fingers moved upward and timidly caught the hem of Yan Chen’s shirt instead.

That small movement shattered the last thread of restraint Yan Chen had left.

His hand slid up to the back of Rong Jun’s neck, pulling him forward in one swift motion and he captured the lips of the man he had been craving for so long.

“Mmph—!”

Rong Jun’s eyes flew open in shock.

He didn’t even know when his lips had parted, or when Yan Chen had coaxed his teeth open. All he could feel was the unfamiliar warmth and softness filling his mouth.

The sensation was strange… so strange that his mind went completely blank.

He didn’t know how to respond.

All he could do was clutch Yan Chen’s clothes more tightly, letting himself be kissed without resisting.

And for Yan Chen… That alone was enough.

He deepened the kiss, almost greedily, drawing every bit of sweetness from Rong Jun’s lips.

Only when he noticed Rong Jun’s breathing becoming uneven did he reluctantly withdraw.

Even then, he didn’t move far away. Their foreheads rested together as Yan Chen pressed small, lingering kisses against Rong Jun’s lips.

He breathed in Rong Jun’s scent, gently catching his lower lip between his teeth, trying with great effort to restrain the excitement surging through his body.

“Mm… Yan Chen…”

Rong Jun’s voice finally slipped out.

“Qingqing,” Yan Chen murmured in reply.

He placed one more soft kiss on Rong Jun’s lips before slowly pulling back.

The distance between them widened slightly, yet their heavy breaths were still clearly audible in the quiet kitchen.

Rong Jun’s face was burning red.

He forced himself to lift his head and look at the man in front of him but immediately froze again.

Yan Chen’s golden eyes were already red, reflecting Rong Jun’s own stunned reflection.

Then with a trembling voice, he asked, “…We’re together now, aren’t we?”

For a moment, Rong Jun forgot all about the overwhelming embarrassment flooding his chest.

The hand gripping Yan Chen’s clothes loosened. Slowly, it slid around Yan Chen’s waist instead.

“Mhm.”

The quiet response carried unmistakable certainty. Yan Chen seemed momentarily stunned. And when he opened his mouth again, his voice grew hoarse. Unable to contain his disbelief.

“We’re together…”

He repeated the words softly, as if he needed to confirm them aloud. Or perhaps he simply wanted to say them again.

“We’re together… is this real?” Yan Chen asked, afraid that it was all just a dream. And that he would wake up with Rong Jun gone.

Rong Jun, seeing Yan Chen looking vulnerable for the first time became overwhelmed, and before he realized it, his hand had already risen to Yan Chen’s face.

He curled his fingers slightly and gently wiped away the tears gathering at the corner of Yan Chen’s eye.

Yan Chen stared at him, clearly startled by the gesture. He didn’t even realize he was crying.

Under that tearful gaze, Rong Jun felt a stirring in his chest, and before he could stop himself. He leaned in and gave a soft, deliberate kiss against Yan Chen’s lips.

It was the clearest answer he could give.

A silent promise.

Yes.

They truly were together.

And he was willing to risk it with Yan Chen.

With this, Yan Chen deepened the kiss. Happy that this really wasn’t a dream. Rong Jun accepted him.

He still loves him even this second time around.

And this time, he swears he will protect him at all cost, even to himself.