"It must have broken because of my magic release, right? I'm sorry," Dominic said.
Shiao Yi shook his head.
"No, I think the ear cuff became my substitute. It protected me. It was because of your strong wish to protect me, Dominic, that I was kept safe."
Shiao Yi was always gentle.
His words wrapped Dominic's heart in calm warmth.
"Hey, it's a gift from Aaron, after all. The design is beautiful. Let's wear them," Shiao Yi said.
"I don't like that it's from Aaron," Dominic admitted, "but for now, it's the only choice. Once we return to the capital, the two of us will look for something better together. That will be my present to you, Shiao Yi."
"Yes. I'll look forward to it," Shiao Yi answered softly.
Before that, Dominic pulled out a handkerchief and carefully wiped Shiao Yi's face.
Marengo had licked him all over and his cheeks were still wet with drool.
Then they each put the new ear cuffs on one another's ears.
