Inferno Hearts | Xu Minghao

66. Eyes Don't Lie

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Minghao stood firm, the firearm clutched in his hand, its barrel steady and unwavering, aimed squarely at Keeho, eyes locking onto his target with steely determination.

Nabi's embrace tightened around him, her fingers clutching his shirt as if holding on for dear life, her warm breaths cascading down his spine.

He couldn't escape the realization that he had become the source of her fear, a fact that gnawed at his very soul and weighed heavily upon his heart.

Her words reverberated within the recesses of Minghao's mind, an unrelenting echo he couldn't escape. He yearned to shield her from the torment of this moment, to spare her from the harrowing path he found himself on.

He grappled with the guilt, struggling against the realization that he was capable of subjecting her to this fear. The anger surged within him, an overpowering force that clouded his thoughts and stole the better part of his being.

Self-loathing crept in, a bitter companion in this moment of turmoil, as he hated himself for succumbing to the rage that now held him captive.

He released a heavy sigh, the weight of the moment bearing down on him. For a fleeting second, he shut his eyes, desperately yearning to focus on Nabi's form pressed against his back.

He focused on the sensation of her warmth, her soft but hurried breaths that grazed his skin, and the gentle grip of her hand clutching his shirt, and the other wrapped tenderly around his waist.

Amidst the chaos of the current situation, he yearned to immerse himself in her comforting embrace, desperately longing to escape the reality and find solace in her presence.

The hand that had tightly gripped the gun began to loosen its hold, descending slowly as if shedding the weight of his rage. Simultaneously, his other hand gently found its way to hers, seeking the solace of her touch.

As his fingers intertwined with her cold, trembling hand, he felt the genuine fear that had clutched her, a testament to the gravity of his actions.

With his eyes still closed, he immersed himself in this tender connection, finding a sliver of tranquility amidst the storm.

Nabi's subtle sigh of relief resonated in the air, a sign that she felt the warmth of his touch, the gradual relaxation of tension in his muscles as he allowed her calming presence to envelop him.

"I'm sorry," escaped Minghao's lips, a heavy admission laden with remorse. The realization that he had teetered on the edge of committing something so fundamentally wrong in her presence shook him to his core.

He understood the urgent need to confront and rectify his unchecked anger issues, knowing that he could not let them continue to overcome their relationship and his own sense of self.

He gently withdrew her hands from his, turning slowly to face her, a growing eagerness to meet her eyes and confront the consequences of his actions. As her gaze met his, his heart softened, aching at the sight of her cheeks adorned with fresh tears.

His gentle hand reached out to tenderly wipe away her tears, and as he looked deeply into her eyes, his sincerity shone through. "I'm sorry, Nabi," he whispered, his voice laced with genuine remorse.

"I didn't mean to scare you. I'm truly sorry," he continued, his own eyes welling up with tears as the weight of his actions bore down on him.

Her hand found his, seeking the comfort of his touch, a silent acknowledgment of her relief that he had chosen to listen to her pleas.