Yanam's strength drained from his body the moment Tian finally released him. The sting on his lower lip throbbed where Tian had bitten him. Tian's breath brushed his skin as he pulled back, a slow, satisfied smile curling on his lips. His black eyes locked onto Yanam's trembling ones—dark, unreadable, yet burning with something dangerous.
"So," Tian murmured softly, tilting Yanam's chin up, "if I became even more pathetic… would you accept me? Would you pity me? I don't like that rebellious look of yours. You're more appealing like this."
Yanam's breath hitched. His chest tightened painfully. Shame burned under his skin.
And then—his gaze drifted past Tian's shoulder.
Yu Anan was standing there.
The little boy's eyes were wide, stunned. He had seen everything.
Yanam's heart dropped. He hated Tian—hated him with every fiber of his being.
But what crushed him more… was the hatred he felt for himself.
For freezing.
For not being able to push Tian away.
Tian followed Yanam's gaze and chuckled. "I'll come again, Yanam. Be prepared next time."
He turned and walked out. The door slammed with a dull thud—except it didn't close completely, the broken lock hanging uselessly.
As soon as Tian disappeared, Yanam's knees gave out. He fell to the floor, chest heaving, hand clutching tightly over his heart as though holding it together. The moment he realized he was alone—he broke.
Tears spilled silently at first. Then they poured, uncontrollable, desperate.
He felt helpless. Filthy. Weak.
He hated himself… so much.
A small gasp.
Then tiny footsteps rushed toward him.
"Da..da…" Yu Anan dropped to his knees and wrapped his small arms around Yanam's shaking body.
Yanam froze, unable to breathe. Yu Anan, still sniffling, reached up with his little hands and tried to wipe Yanam's tears—just like Yanam always did for him.
Those tiny, warm fingers touched his face.
Yanam shattered completely.
He grabbed Yu Anan's hands, pressing trembling kisses onto them as tears streamed harder.
"I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…" his voice broke again and again.
Yu Anan's small body trembled in fear, confused and terrified by the sight of his father crying so helplessly in front of him.