The words, the feeling, the look in Stannis’s eyes, it was too much. The coil snapped.
Jian Rui’s back bowed off the desk as his orgasm ripped through him. "Oh, fuck! Don’t stop! Don’t stop, Stannis!" he cried out, his release striping his stomach and Stannis’s fist in hot, pulsing waves. His entire body convulsed around the cock still pistoning into him, milking his own pleasure into an endless, mind-shattering peak.
Hearing his name on those lush, begging lips was Stannis’s undoing. A low, guttural growl erupted from his chest, the sound of a beast unchained. His thrusts lost all rhythm, becoming wild, erratic jerks as he slammed into Jian Rui one last, devastating time, his own climax surging hot and deep inside him. He held himself there, buried to the hilt, his body trembling with the force of his release.
***
Minutes later...
Jian Rui tugged his shirt into place, movements sharp and deliberate, while Stannis leaned lazily against the desk, his posture relaxed but his eyes predatory. That smile, charming, dangerous, never left his face. His gaze lingered on Jian Rui as though he were savoring the sight of a rare delicacy.
"Stop looking at me like that," Jian Rui snapped, his voice clipped.
"Like what?" Stannis asked with a smirk, feigning innocence.
"Like you are going to eat me."
Stannis chuckled, the sound low and rich. He reached out, catching Jian Rui’s wrist and tugging him forward. Jian Rui stumbled, ending up between Stannis’s legs, their faces only inches apart.
"I want to do more than that," Stannis murmured, his hand rising to cup Jian Rui’s cheek. His thumb brushed against Jian Rui’s lip, still faintly bruised, the touch both tender and possessive.
Jian Rui’s cold gaze met his, unyielding, but Stannis’s heart hammered against his ribs. He remembered the flicker of lust he had seen in Jian Rui’s eyes moments earlier, and the memory consumed him. He wanted to be the only one who could draw that expression out, the only one who could claim those lips.
Jian Rui’s voice cut through the tension, sharp and demanding. "Like what?"
The question hung between them, heavy, daring Stannis to answer.
Stannis’s piercing gaze lingered on Jian Rui’s lips, his eyes dark with intent before rising to meet his gaze. His voice was low, deliberate, almost tender. "I want to have dinner with you. Then we can go home, and I will hold you all night."
Jian Rui’s expression hardened, his tone clipped. "We can’t be seen together."
"You can hide your appearance," Stannis countered smoothly, his smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"I can hide my face," Jian Rui replied, his voice steady, "but I can’t hide my stature. Someone will recognize me."
Stannis tilted his head, conceding with a murmur. "You’re right." He leaned closer, closing the distance, and pressed his lips against Jian Rui’s. The kiss was brief but searing, leaving a trail of heat. Their foreheads touched, breaths mingling.
"Then come home with me," Stannis whispered.
Jian Rui felt the scorching heat of Stannis’s presence brushing against his skin, overwhelming and consuming. He closed his eyes, knowing fully well that being with Stannis was like drinking poison to cure his ailment. The poison soothed him, made him feel alive, but it was only a temporary fix. The more he drank of it, the more addictive the taste became, and the more severe the damage waiting in the future.
***
Yu Xi stepped out of the simulator, his shirt clinging to his back, sweat dripping down his temples. He wiped his face with a towel, exhaling heavily, when suddenly something jabbed at either side of his waist. Yu Xi was not a senstive person but ever since that kiss whenever Jian Ci touched him in certain place he would immediately react. When Jian Ci discovered this, it was like he had found his new favourite thing. So when Jian Ci touched him now he felt like an electric current was spreading all over his body.
He jolted like a startled cat, yelping, "Fuck!"
Jian Ci burst into laughter, clutching his stomach as though the sight alone was worth a lifetime of amusement. Yu Xi swung the towel at him, his own laughter breaking through despite his irritation. Jian Ci darted away, still laughing, while Yu Xi chased after him, swinging the towel a few more times.
"You think you are funny, don’t you?" Yu Xi called, his voice half playful, half exasperated.
Jian Ci slowed, turning back with a smile so radiant it seemed to outshine the twin suns of Virelia. He draped an arm casually around Yu Xi’s shoulder. "I am not only funny," he said with mock arrogance, "I am also handsome. Don’t you think so?"
Yu Xi tsked, pushing him off while walking ahead. "I am sweaty."
"I don’t mind a little sweat," Jian Ci replied smoothly, slipping his arm back around Yu Xi’s shoulders as if he belonged there. His tone softened, though his grin remained. "You are writing your entry exam tomorrow. Are you ready?"
The entry exam Jian Ci spoke of was none other than the prestigious Imperial Academy’s trial, a gateway into the empire’s most elite circle. As the two of them walked side by side down the corridor, Jian Ci nudged Yu Xi with a grin. "If you fail, my heart will be broken."
Yu Xi poked his chest with a towel, rolling his eyes. "That’s emotional blackmail."
"It’s not," Jian Ci insisted, his tone earnest. "I am telling the truth. I will be so sad. I really want to go to the same academy with you."
Yu Xi turned to look at him. Jian Ci’s sincerity was palpable, his expression so intense it was as though his entire future hinged on Yu Xi’s success. Finally, Yu Xi sighed. "I will pass. Don’t worry."
"You promise?" Jian Ci pressed.
Yu Xi hesitated, then muttered, "...I promise."
As they stepped into the hallway, a faint sound reached them. It was whistling. Jian Ci’s brow furrowed immediately. He followed the sound to the kitchen, Yu Xi trailing behind.
Leaning against the wall, Jian Ci stared at Jian Rui, who was casually sipping from a mug, oblivious to their scrutiny. Jian Ci crossed his arms, his tone sharp. "What’s wrong with you? You have been acting weird."
Jian Rui raised his eyes, calm as ever. "What?"
"You have been so happy lately. You are even whistling. It’s weird. It’s creeping me out."
Jian Rui smirked, unbothered. "Mind your business."
Jian Ci blinked, speechless. "...."