Man On The Moon

Chapter 32: Together And Forever

The group remains in the room, their exhaustion slowly ebbing as they rest and recover. The atmosphere is comfortable, and their collective energy is still on a high from the events of the day. Suddenly, Ruan Mei comes to Dan Heng and she expresses her feelings to him. Ruan Mei turns her gaze to Dan Heng, who is resting in a nearby seat. There's a slight hesitancy in her eyes.

Ruan Mei: "Dan Heng, can I speak with you for a moment?"

Dan Heng looks up, meeting her gaze. He senses the serious note in her voice and nods, getting up from his seat and moving closer.

Dan Heng: "Of course. What is it?"

Ruan Mei takes a moment as if collecting herself, before continuing.

Ruan Mei: "There's something that's been on my mind for a while. Something I need to tell you."

Dan Heng, sensing the weight in her words, gives her his full attention. He looks at her intently, waiting for her to continue.

Dan Heng: "I'm listening."

Ruan Mei takes a deep breath, her calm demeanour faltering slightly. There's a hint of vulnerability in her eyes.

Ruan Mei: "Dan Heng, we've been through a lot together. We've fought alongside each other, pushed our limits and endured hardships... I've come to deeply value your presence, your strength and your wisdom."

Dan Heng listens intently, his expression unreadable. He seems to be hanging on every word Ruan Mei says.

Dan Heng: "Likewise, Ruan Mei. We've been through a lot together. You've proven to be a valuable ally, and more than that, a trustworthy friend."

No longer, Ruan Mei steps closer to Dan Heng. With a touch as soft as silk, she begins to massage his sore back, her slender fingers gently working out the tension and knots. The act is tender, almost affectionate. Dan Heng, slightly surprised by Ruan Mei's gesture, relaxes into her touch. He lets out a sigh of relief, closing his eyes as the tension in his back slowly unravels under her ministrations. Ruan Mei's eyes are focused on his back, her gaze almost tender as she works out a particularly stubborn knot. Her voice is soft as she speaks.

Ruan Mei: "You carry a lot of tension in your body, Dan Heng. You should learn to relax more."

Dan Heng lets out a small chuckle, his eyes still closed.

Dan Heng: "Easy for you to say. With the things we've been through, relaxation isn't exactly high on the priority list."

Ruan Mei smiles slightly, her fingers continuing their gentle work.

Ruan Mei: "I understand that. But even the strongest need rest sometimes. You'll burn yourself out if you keep pushing like this."

Dan Heng lets out another sigh, his body gradually relaxing more under her touch.

Dan Heng: "You have a point. I've just...gotten used to pushing myself to the edge, I guess."

Ruan Mei's fingers move up to his shoulders, gently massaging the tight muscles there. There's a hint of concern in her voice.

Ruan Mei: "That's exactly my point. It's admirable, your dedication and resilience. But sometimes, you need to take care of yourself, too."

Dan Heng opens his eyes, looking up at Ruan Mei. There's a hint of vulnerability in his expression, a rare sight.

Dan Heng: "I... struggle with that sometimes. Taking care of myself doesn't feel like a priority when there's so much to be done."

Ruan Mei, sensing the depth of his words, pauses her massage for a moment. She looks him in the eye.

Ruan Mei: "You know, Dan Heng, it's okay to prioritize your wellbeing. It doesn't mean you're being weak or neglectful. It might make you even stronger in the long run."

Her touch suddenly turns more intimate. Ruan Mei leans in, capturing Dan Heng's lips in a gentle, yet unexpectedly passionate kiss. For a moment, the world around them seems to blur as they get lost in the embrace. Dan Heng is taken by surprise, but as Ruan Mei's lips gently press against his, he responds, the kiss slowly deepening. The kiss is tender and intimate, a silent yet powerful affirmation of the connection and feelings they share. For a moment, all their worries and stresses are forgotten, replaced by the warmth and comfort of the embrace. Ruan Mei's fingers, still on his shoulders, grip slightly, pulling him closer to her. Dan Heng, taken off-guard at first, leans into the kiss, his arms wrapping around Ruan Mei's waist. His heart races, his usually controlled demeanour giving way to the flood of emotions Ruan Mei's gesture unleashed within him. Their bodies press closer together, their lips moving in a slow, intimate rhythm. Ruan Mei leads Dan Heng towards the nearby mattress that's lying on the floor. Her movements are graceful, her touch firm but gentle. Once they reach the edge of the mattress, she guides him down, their bodies sinking into the soft surface.