Inferno Hearts | Xu Minghao

61. Drunken Whispers, Sober Hearts

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"Oh shit," Minghao whispers as the clatter of shattered glass startles her awake.

Gently, he opens the balcony door, striving to move with measured steps, concealing his inebriation despite the world spinning around him.

He was drunk as fuck.

Minghao made a conscious effort to move in stealth, suppressing any noise that might further disturb Nabi, as if the recent clamor hadn't already jolted her awake. With a gentle touch, he shut the balcony door, the cool night air a sharp contrast to the tumult within.

His eyes, burdened by the weight of the night and the conflict within him, shifted towards the bed. There lay Nabi, her sleepy eyes gently rubbing away the remnants of slumber, blissfully unaware of the internal chaos that accompanied him.

Her gaze fixed on him, standing by the balcony door, struggling to maintain composure even as his legs threatened to give way beneath him. Confusion etched across her face at the sight of him in this vulnerable state, a stark departure from his usual self-assured demeanor.

The loud noises that shattered the night had jolted her from slumber, filling her with an overwhelming sense of fear. Spotting a figure on the balcony, shrouded in darkness, sent her heart racing in fear.

Unable to recall the face of the person in the dimly lit night, the tension within her escalated. But as the figure turned around, revealing familiar features, Nabi's fear began to dissipate, replaced by a profound sense of relief and safety.

"I'm sorry for disturbing your sleep," Minghao said, his voice carrying a hoarse and raspy tone, their gazes still intertwined in a silent understanding.

Nabi, her concern growing and sensing that something was wrong, asked him gently, "Are you...drunk?"

She couldn't shake the fear of intoxicated men from her past, memories of her father's drunken violence haunting her still. Despite Minghao's earnest efforts to protect her, she couldn't deny the lingering unease, a trepidation that kept her from fully letting her guard down, even as she grappled with her own conflicted emotions.

She was still scared of him.

"Uh?" Minghao stumbled for words, his mind racing to find an explanation. Nervously scratching the back of his head, he responded. "I'm not...drunk. Just had a glass," weaving a lie to shield Nabi from seeing him as a man succumbing to intoxication.

However, the lingering scent of alcohol on his breath was unmistakable to Nabi, and she let out a quiet sigh. Wanting to approach the situation with understanding rather than accusation, she inquired, "Why did you drink?"

Minghao gazed at her, captivated by her beauty and the gentle weariness that adorned her face. In his eyes, she was exceptionally beautiful, and he found himself momentarily lost in her presence.

Nabi raised a questioning brow, noticing his distant gaze fixed upon her. It made her self-conscious, aware of the intensity of his gaze. "Minghao, I asked you something," she said, her tone more assertive, breaking the moment.

Minghao couldn't help but be charmed by Nabi's attempt to appear serious and assertive. It was a delightful contrast to her usual gentle demeanor. He casually slid his hands into his pockets, leaning back against the door with a smile gracing his face. 

The way she furrowed her brow and spoke with determination made her all the more endearing. Minghao found himself captivated by her presence, cherishing the moment as he continued to smile, allowing her to lead the conversation.