The Sickly Villain Only Wants to Survive

97

After a while, the unpleasant images from the dream gradually faded from his mind. The room was quiet, with Shao Ming still gently patting his back, showing no sign of curiosity. Unable to resist, Zhu Tong looked up and asked, "Aren't you going to ask me what my nightmare was about?"

Shao Ming replied matter-of-factly, "If it scares you, just don't think about it."

If he asked, Zhu Tong would be forced to recall it all over again.

"But if talking about it would make you feel better, you can tell me."

Zhu Tong thought for a moment and decided against it. "There's not much to say. I'll forget it soon—dreams are like that."

Shao Ming indulged him without question. "Alright."

He placed his hand on the back of Zhu Tong's neck, gently pressing to help ease his tension.

Zhu Tong's neck was sensitive, and he couldn't help but shrink back a bit. As his tension melted away, he suddenly realized something and quickly pushed Shao Ming away. "Aren't you... really tired today?"

Shao Ming raised an eyebrow. "Hmm?"

Zhu Tong had already swung his legs off the bed. "Go shower and get some rest. I'll—"

"I'm not tired," Shao Ming said, pulling him back by the hand. "If coming home every day means I get such a warm hug from my boyfriend, then it's worth any exhaustion."

Zhu Tong: "..."

The warmth of their clasped hands felt familiar, even hotter than usual. Zhu Tong glanced up at Shao Ming's face. Despite days of busyness, Shao Ming showed no sign of exhaustion. His gaze mirrored Zhu Tong's own—filled with longing and desire.

Since returning home for the holidays, things had changed. Unlike the carefree time at the guesthouse, Shao Ming now woke early and slept late, leaving little time for them to talk. At first, it didn't seem like a big deal, but as time went on, Zhu Tong missed those days when they could fall asleep and wake up together.

His legs, which were about to leave the room, hesitated. Looking at Shao Ming, Zhu Tong asked, "Can I sleep here tonight?"

Shao Ming squeezed his hand slightly, "Yes."

He agreed so quickly that Zhu Tong was stunned. His eyes lit up. "Really?"

Shao Ming chuckled, "Why are you so surprised?"

"Because..." Zhu Tong hesitated, unable to fully explain. A little aggrieved, he added, "You wouldn't let me stay here for long before."

Even when he found an excuse to be there, Shao Ming would send him back to his room as soon as the issue was resolved.

Shao Ming smiled wryly, "Well, you kept coming over and teasing me every night. If I let you stay longer, I would've lost my self-control."

"..."

Zhu Tong instinctively wanted to refute, "When did I ever tease—"

But then he thought of something and changed his tone, "And now you're not afraid of losing control?"

Shao Ming gave a tactical cough. "Tonight's a special case. You had a nightmare, right? I should comfort my boyfriend."

Zhu Tong thought to himself, Wasn't that just now?

He was already feeling better. But curiosity got the better of him, so he asked, "How are you going to comfort me?"

Shao Ming replied with a question, "How would you like me to comfort you?"