Yichen's arms tightened around Zhiyuan's waist, pulling him even closer as the weight of his promise settled between them. The air in the hallway felt thick with unresolved tension, the echo of Lin Wei's retreating footsteps still lingering like a ghost. Yichen's heart pounded, a mix of lingering jealousy and overwhelming need surging through him. He couldn't wait any longer. With a swift motion, he bent down and scooped Zhiyuan up into his arms, bridal style, Zhiyuan's legs dangling over one elbow while his other arm supported his back.
Zhiyuan let out a surprised gasp, his arms instinctively wrapping around Yichen's neck. "Yichen! What are you—"
But Yichen silenced him with a fierce kiss, his lips crashing against Zhiyuan's as he kicked the bedroom door shut behind them with his foot. The room was dimly lit, the afternoon sun filtering through half-drawn curtains, casting warm shadows over the rumpled bed where Zhiyuan had been hiding earlier. Yichen carried him effortlessly, their mouths moving hungrily together, tongues tangling in a desperate rhythm. Zhiyuan's fingers dug into Yichen's hair, pulling him deeper into the kiss as Yichen lowered him onto the edge of the bed without breaking contact.
Yichen's lips trailed from Zhiyuan's mouth down to his jaw, nipping lightly at the skin before reaching his neck. He pressed Zhiyuan back against the pillows, hovering over him, and then bit down—not hard enough to break skin, but firm enough to leave a mark, his teeth grazing the sensitive spot just below Zhiyuan's ear.
Zhiyuan moaned, the sound low and throaty, his body arching up off the bed. A shiver ran through him, his hands clutching at Yichen's shoulders as heat pooled in his core. "Ah... Yichen, why did you bite me?"
Yichen pulled back just enough to meet his eyes, his own gaze dark with possession and affection. He licked the spot he'd marked, soothing the sting with his tongue. "I want to mark you," he murmured, voice rough. "So everyone knows you're mine. No more doubts. No more jealousy eating me alive."
Zhiyuan chuckled softly, the sound breathy and teasing despite the tremor in his limbs. He reached up, fingers tracing Yichen's jaw before pulling him down closer, their foreheads touching. His eyes sparkled with a mix of playfulness and raw desire. "Then mark me," he whispered, his voice dropping to a husky challenge. "Make me pregnant."
Yichen froze, his breath catching in his throat. The words hit him like a wave—playful on the surface, but laced with the heavy memory of Zhiyuan's miscarriage from months ago, a loss that still haunted their quieter moments. His face heated up, cheeks flushing a deep red as vulnerability cracked through his possessive facade. But the love in Zhiyuan's eyes grounded him, turning fear into fierce determination. He dove back in, kissing Zhiyuan hungrily, lips bruising, hands roaming over his sides as if to memorize every curve.
"Even though I'm still scared," Yichen gasped between kisses, his voice trembling with emotion, "after what happened... your miscarriage... I'll do anything you ask. Anything to make you feel loved. To fill you up like you deserve." His hands slipped under Zhiyuan's shirt, pushing it up to expose his chest, thumbs brushing over his nipples until they hardened.
Zhiyuan trembled beneath him, his body responding to every touch, every word. The tension between them was electric—cute in its tenderness, heated in its urgency, tense with the unspoken fears they both carried. He arched into Yichen's hands, a soft whimper escaping as Yichen's mouth followed, sucking on one nipple while pinching the other. "Yichen... please," Zhiyuan breathed, his fingers tangling in Yichen's hair again. "I need you. Make it real."
Yichen's heart raced, the mix of apology and desire making his movements urgent. He stripped Zhiyuan's shirt off completely, tossing it aside, then worked on his pants, yanking them down along with his underwear in one fluid motion. Zhiyuan's cock sprang free, already half-hard and leaking at the tip, and Yichen groaned at the sight, palming it gently before shedding his own clothes. They were both naked now, skin against skin, the air between them charged.
Zhiyuan's eyes locked on Yichen's, vulnerability shining through as he reached down, stroking Yichen's hardening cock. It twitched in his hand, thick and ready, veins pulsing under his fingers. "I want to feel you deeply," Zhiyuan said, his voice a mix of plea and command, his body trembling with anticipation. "Deeper than before. Show me you're mine too."
Yichen nodded, swallowing hard, the second time they'd done this raw since getting together making every sensation sharper, more intimate. No barriers, just them—trust rebuilt in the heat of the moment. He grabbed the lube from the nightstand, slicking his fingers generously. "We'll try something new," he murmured, kissing Zhiyuan's collarbone.
Yichen shifted zhiyuan onto his side, facing away slightly, lifting one leg as Yichen positioned himself behind. The new angle felt exposed, tense—Zhiyuan's breath hitched as Yichen's slick fingers circled his entrance, pressing in one, then two, scissoring gently to open him up. Zhiyuan moaned, pushing back against the intrusion, his hole clenching around the digits. "More... Yichen, I can take it."
"You're so tight," Yichen whispered, his free hand stroking Zhiyuan's hip, thumb rubbing soothing circles. He added a third finger, curling them to brush that spot inside, making Zhiyuan gasp and tremble harder, his cock leaking onto the sheets. The room filled with the wet sounds of preparation, their breaths mingling in heavy pants.
Finally, Yichen withdrew his fingers, lining up his cock instead. The head nudged against Zhiyuan's entrance, slick and insistent. "Ready?" he asked, voice strained with restraint.
"Yes," Zhiyuan replied, reaching back to grip Yichen's thigh. "Fuck me raw. Fill me."
Yichen pushed in slowly, the tight heat enveloping him inch by inch. No condom, just skin on skin—the sensation was overwhelming, raw and real, their second time like this making it feel even more profound. Zhiyuan whimpered, his body tensing then relaxing as Yichen bottomed out, balls pressed against his ass. "Oh god, you're so deep already," Zhiyuan moaned, trembling from head to toe, the fullness stretching him perfectly.
Yichen groaned, burying his face in Zhiyuan's neck, biting down lightly again to mark him as he started to thrust—slow at first, pulling out halfway before sliding back in, the new side position allowing him to hit deeper angles. "Feels so good... you're gripping me so tight, bao bei. Love this. Love you." His hand wrapped around Zhiyuan's cock, stroking in time with his hips, thumb swiping over the slit to spread the pre-cum.
Zhiyuan's moans grew louder, his body rocking back to meet each thrust, the tension building like a storm. "Harder... Yichen, please, make me feel it all." He trembled violently now, muscles quivering as Yichen picked up the pace, hips snapping forward, cock plunging deep into his ass with wet, obscene slaps. The raw friction sent sparks through them both, Yichen's shaft dragging against Zhiyuan's walls, hitting that prostate with every stroke.
"Like this?" Yichen panted, his free hand pinning Zhiyuan's raised leg higher, opening him up more. The angle let him grind deeper, his cockhead pressing insistently against that sensitive spot. Sweat slicked their skin, bodies sliding together in a heated rhythm. "You're taking me so well... second time raw and you're already clenching like you never want me to stop."
Zhiyuan cried out, his hand covering Yichen's on his cock, guiding the strokes faster. "Don't stop... ah, yes, right there! It feels... so full, so yours." His voice broke into a whine, trembling intensifying as pleasure coiled tight in his belly. The emotional undercurrent made it tense—flashes of jealousy, loss, and unbreakable affection weaving through their gasps.
Yichen's thrusts turned erratic, deeper, harder, his balls tightening as he chased release. "Gonna mark you inside too," he growled playfully, nipping Zhiyuan's shoulder. "Fill you up, make you mine completely. Even if it's just fantasy... you're everything to me."
"Cum in me," Zhiyuan begged, his own orgasm crashing over him first. He came with a shuddering moan, spilling over Yichen's hand, his ass clenching rhythmically around Yichen's cock, milking him. The sight, the feel—it pushed Yichen over the edge. He thrust deep one last time, groaning loudly as he unloaded, hot cum flooding Zhiyuan's insides, raw and pulsing.
They collapsed together, still connected, Yichen's arms wrapping around Zhiyuan from behind. Breaths ragged, bodies trembling in the afterglow, Yichen kissed the fresh mark on Zhiyuan's neck. "I love you," he whispered, voice cute and tender now, the tension easing into warmth.
Zhiyuan turned his head, smiling softly despite the flush on his cheeks. "I love you too"
Next Morning – Breakfast at the House
The table was set with simple food. Rice. Eggs. Vegetables. Yichen sat across from Zhiyuan, but his eyes were on his phone. His injured hand rested on the table, bandaged, unable to hold chopsticks properly.
Zhiyuan noticed Yichen kept scrolling through his phone. Not looking up. Not eating.
"Yichen," Zhiyuan said softly.
No response.
"Yichen." Zhiyuan's voice was louder.
Yichen looked up, distracted. "Hmm?"
"Your food is getting cold." Zhiyuan pointed at his bowl. "And you can't eat with one hand. Let me help."
Yichen blinked, looking at his hand like he forgot it was hurt. "Oh. Sorry."
Zhiyuan moved his chair closer and picked up Yichen's chopsticks. He picked up some rice and held it to Yichen's lips.
Yichen ate, but his eyes went back to his phone.
Across the table, Dr. Shen and Guo Lian shared a look. Something was off.
Zhiyuan fed Yichen another bite. "Is something going on? You've been on your phone all morning."
Yichen shook his head. "Nothing. Just work stuff."
"What work? You quit fishing."
Yichen's jaw tightened. "Just... some things I'm figuring out."
Dr. Shen cleared his throat. "Everything okay, Yichen? You seem distracted."
Yichen put his phone down. "Everything's fine. I'm sorry. I'll eat."
He tried to pick up chopsticks with his bandaged hand. His fingers couldn't grip. The chopsticks clattered on the table.
Zhiyuan sighed and picked them up again. "Let me."
Yichen smiled weakly. "Thank you."
They ate in silence for a few minutes. Zhiyuan fed Yichen bite by bite. Yichen chewed, staring at the table.
Zhiyuan tried to make conversation. "Dr. Shen, how is the new medicine working? The one for Mrs. Chen?"
Dr. Shen nodded. "Good. Her blood pressure is stable now. She came by yesterday to thank us."
Zhiyuan smiled. "That's good. Maybe we should order more of that medicine. It seems to help a lot of—"
Yichen's phone rang loudly.
He grabbed it without looking at anyone. "Hello? Yes. I understand. I'll be there in ten minutes."
He stood up, phone still to his ear, and walked out the door.
No goodbye. No glance back. Just gone.
The door clicked shut. Silence.
Zhiyuan stared at the closed door, chopsticks frozen in his hand. His eyes were wide. Hurt.
Dr. Shen put his chopsticks down. "Zhiyuan..."
Zhiyuan blinked, forcing a smile. "He's probably just busy. He's been stressed lately."
Guo Lian and Dr. Shen exchanged another look.
Dr. Shen hesitated. "Did something happen between you two? He's never... he usually never leaves without saying something."
Zhiyuan shook his head quickly. "No. Nothing happened. We're fine." He put the chopsticks down. "I'm not hungry anymore."
He stood up and started clearing the table.
Dr. Shen wanted to say more, but Guo Lian shook his head slightly. Not now.
At the Clinic – Later
Zhiyuan walked into the clinic with Dr. Shen and Guo Lian. He was quiet, still thinking about Yichen.
The door opened. Lin Wei was there. He saw Zhiyuan and his face changed. He walked over quickly and knelt down right in front of him.
Zhiyuan stepped back, shocked. "Lin Wei! What are you doing?"
Lin Wei looked up, his face red with shame. "Zhiyuan, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
"Get up. Please. People are looking."
Lin Wei shook his head. "I need to say this. I was trying to win your heart. I was trying to get you. I thought..." He looked down. "I thought maybe you didn't have someone. I didn't know you had a boyfriend. I didn't know it was serious. I'm sorry. I was wrong."
Zhiyuan stared at him. Then he smiled softly. He bent down and helped Lin Wei stand up.
"It's okay," Zhiyuan said. "I forgive you."
Lin Wei blinked. "You do?"
Zhiyuan nodded. "You didn't know. And you stopped when you found out. That's what matters."
Lin Wei's eyes were wet. "I was so embarrassed yesterday. I didn't know how to face you."
Zhiyuan laughed gently. "It's okay. Really. We can still be friends, right?"
Lin Wei's face lit up. "You still want to be friends? After everything?"
"Of course." Zhiyuan patted his shoulder. "I don't have many friends here. I don't want to lose one over something silly."
Lin Wei wiped his eyes, smiling now. "Thank you. I promise I won't cross any lines. I just want to be your friend. That's all."
Dr. Shen walked over, arms crossed, a teasing smile on his face. "So, Lin Wei, you were trying to steal my best worker away?"
Lin Wei's face went red again. "Dr. Shen! I—"
Dr. Shen laughed. "I'm joking. Relax. But next time, check if someone is taken before you start buying them gifts."
Lin Wei groaned, covering his face. "Can we please stop talking about this?"
Guo Lian walked past, a rare smile on his lips. "No. We'll talk about it for years."
"Guo Lian!" Lin Wei whined.
Everyone laughed. Zhiyuan laughed too, but his mind was still on Yichen. Where did he go? Why was he acting so strange?
Dr. Shen noticed Zhiyuan's smile didn't reach his eyes. He put a hand on his shoulder.
"Go find him," Dr. Shen said quietly.
Zhiyuan looked up. "What?"
"Yichen. Go find him. Talk to him. The clinic can manage without you for a few hours."
Zhiyuan hesitated. "But the patients—"
"We'll handle it." Dr. Shen smiled. "Go. That's an order."
Zhiyuan looked at Guo Lian, who nodded. He looked at Lin Wei, who smiled and waved.
"Go," Lin Wei said. "I'll cover your desk."
Zhiyuan nodded slowly. "Okay. Thank you."
He grabbed his jacket and walked out the door, heart heavy with worry, ready to find out what was really going on with Yichen.
Zhiyuan walked along the beach, his eyes scanning the sand, the rocks, the water. He didn't know where Yichen went. He just knew he needed to find him.
Then he saw him.
Yichen stood near the old pier. Alone. No. Not alone.
Five men stood around him. Big men. Hard faces. Dressed in dark clothes. The kind of men Zhiyuan had seen before. The kind of men from Yichen's old life.
Zhiyuan's heart dropped. He stopped walking. He hid behind a large rock.
He watched as the five men bowed to Yichen. Together. Like they were greeting a king.
One man spoke, loud enough for the wind to carry his words to Zhiyuan. "Good to see you again, boss."
Zhiyuan's blood went cold. Boss?
Yichen rubbed his eyebrows, looking tired. "Stop it. I'm not your boss anymore."
Another man stepped forward. "We missed you so much. We want you back. Please."
Yichen shook his head. "I'm sorry. I made it clear. I will never go back to that world again."
Zhiyuan let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.
Then Yichen said something else. "I just called you because I needed your help."
Zhiyuan's heart stopped again.
The men looked at each other. Then back at Yichen. Their faces changed. They stood taller. Ready.
"Whatever you need, boss," one said. "Just say the word."
Zhiyuan watched as Yichen lit a cigarette. Smoke curled up into the gray sky. Yichen took a long drag. He looked tired. Heavy. Different.
Then Yichen started talking. His voice was low. Zhiyuan couldn't hear the words. Just the tone. Serious. Dark. The tone of a man making plans.
Zhiyuan stepped back from the rock. His legs felt weak. His chest felt tight.
He didn't wait to hear more. He turned and walked away quickly, heart pounding, mind racing.
Back at the Clinic
Zhiyuan sat at his desk, staring at nothing. His hands were folded in his lap. He hadn't moved in ten minutes.
Dr. Shen came out of the treatment room and saw him. He walked over slowly.
"Zhiyuan? Did you find him?"
Zhiyuan blinked, like waking from a dream. "What?"
"Yichen. Did you find him?"
Zhiyuan looked down at his hands. "Yes. I found him."
Dr. Shen pulled a chair close and sat beside him. "What happened? You look... different. What's wrong?"
Zhiyuan shook his head. "Nothing. Everything's fine."
"You're a terrible liar."
Zhiyuan was quiet for a moment. Then he spoke softly. "He was with men. Old men from his past. Five of them."
Dr. Shen's face changed. "What were they doing?"
"They bowed to him. Called him boss. Said they wanted him back." Zhiyuan's voice cracked. "He told them he wasn't going back. That he was done with that world."
Dr. Shen waited.
"But then..." Zhiyuan swallowed. "He said he needed their help. For something. I don't know what. I couldn't hear."
Dr. Shen reached over and took Zhiyuan's hand. "Did you talk to him?"
Zhiyuan shook his head. "I left. I came back here."
"Why?"
Zhiyuan's eyes were wet. "Because I was scared. Because I saw him smoking again. Because he looked like the old Yichen. The one from the videos. The one who..." He stopped. Couldn't finish.
Dr. Shen squeezed his hand. "Zhiyuan, listen to me. Yichen is not that person anymore. He left that life for you. For this life. Whatever he's doing, there's a reason."
"What if the reason is bad? What if he goes back? What if—"
"What if you talk to him first before you make up stories in your head?"
Zhiyuan looked at Dr. Shen. His face was soft but firm.
"You saw something that scared you. I understand. But you don't know what he was planning. You didn't hear the words. You're filling in the blanks with fear." Dr. Shen squeezed his hand again. "Go home. Talk to him. Ask him what's going on."
Zhiyuan shook his head. "I can't. Not yet. I need... I need to think."
Dr. Shen studied his face. Then nodded slowly. "Okay. But don't let this sit too long. Secrets have a way of growing into something ugly."
Zhiyuan nodded, but his mind was still far away. Still at the pier. Still watching Yichen smoke and talk to dangerous men.
He touched his wrist, where the bracelet used to be. The bracelet Yichen had thrown away. The bracelet Lin Wei had given him.
Why did Yichen have to go back to that world? Why couldn't he just stay here? With me? With us?
He looked out the window. The sky was gray. The ocean was dark.
And somewhere out there, Yichen was making plans he didn't want Zhiyuan to know about.