He Lives In You (Complete)

22nd Chapter: OUR STORY, TOO

"And I thank you too, for coming into my life, Jian."

"You're welcome."

Their lips met in a loving kiss, clinging to each other as if they'd been apart for years. In a way, they had—Jian had a past Jin hadn't fully known, and that gap now felt both real and profound. Jin still couldn't fully explain the pull he felt the first time he saw Jian, but what he knew now was enough: he was happy. In this moment, the wonder of it all was enough.

It was already 1:30 in the morning, but Jin didn't want the night to end. He kept coaxing Jian to continue sharing stories. Still curled up together, between soft laughter and quiet kisses, he occasionally teased Jian, trailing his lips along his skin. The other, already drained from the intensity of their earlier intimacy, gave a playful pout and caught Jin's face in his hands, making them both chuckle.

"If you keep doing that, I can't continue."

"Come on, baby, just one more story. Please?"

"Fine."

Accepting defeat, Jin smiled and gently wrapped his arms around Jian's neck, burying his face in the other's hair, breathing in his scent.

"What do you want to know next?"

"Tell me about your childhood with Hiro. How did you meet Mark? What was he like to you?"

"To me?"

"Yeah."

"He treated me like a real brother. He was my solace. But, how come you don't already know all of this?"

Jin hesitated, pulling back slightly, leaning against the headboard. His silence was enough to draw concern from Jin, who turned to face him. The younger's eyes lingered on a photo of Hiro nearby. His lips pressed into a thin line.

"What is it?"

He didn't respond. Jian gently caressed his cheek, coaxing his eyes back to him.

"Is something bothering you?"

"Nothing."

"Tell me."

Jian's pleading eyes melted Jin's resolve, and though he smiled softly, the truth remained locked inside. He wasn't ready to explain why Hiro had rarely spoken of them to him—why his name had only come up once.

"After you."

"Okay then."

Jian, still concerned but unwilling to press further, rested his head on Jin's chest, listening to the steady, fast rhythm of his heart. He knew the other was anxious, but the worry faded as soon as Jin's fingers gently stroked his hair, his lips pressing a kiss to Jian's forehead. That simple gesture made everything feel safe again—just like Hiro used to do.

"You okay, Jian?"

"Hm."

"Do you want to go to sleep?"

"Don't you want me to continue?"

"Only if you want to."

"I'm okay. So, where were we?"

"Hiro, Mark, and you."

"Right."

--

Jian's POV
(Flashback)

After that day in the park, Hiro and I became inseparable. We took turns visiting each other's homes, had sleepovers, and spent hours reading his manga collection. Of course, it was all in Japanese, so he would translate for me. He looked so cool speaking his language that I often got distracted just watching him. I wouldn't even hear what he was saying. He told me once that I looked the cutest when I did that.