Under the Moonlight.

Chapter 8: The Pack's Whisper

As the two walked through the shadowed forest, the moon cast pale silver light upon their path. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and leaves, and Prem's sobs had gradually quieted. He wiped his tear-streaked cheeks, stealing glances at Boun as they moved side by side. Though his heart still felt heavy, something about Boun's steady presence made him feel as though he could breathe again.

Then Prem noticed....truly noticed....Boun's state. His eyes widened as he realized that Boun was entirely naked, and a hot flush crept up his neck. "Um... do you... always...?" Prem stammered, looking away quickly, his face turning crimson.

Boun raised an eyebrow, catching the way Prem's gaze darted to the trees, the ground, anywhere but at him. He couldn't help the teasing smile that tugged at his lips. "I didn't have time to grab my wardrobe," he said lightly, amusement sparkling in his eyes. "It's not like I planned on a rescue mission dressed like this."

Prem bit his lip, trying to suppress a nervous laugh. "Y-You could've... worn... leaves or something," he muttered, his voice barely audible. His blush deepened when he realized how ridiculous he sounded.

"Leaves?" Boun chuckled, his voice low and warm, and he leaned slightly closer. "Would that have made it less awkward for you..??"

Prem nodded quickly, then shook his head, flustered by the proximity and the teasing note in Boun's voice. "I-I don't know! Just... could you... I mean..."

Boun grinned, but then his expression softened as he looked at Prem's flushed face. "I'm sorry," he said, his tone growing gentle again. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

They walked in silence for a few moments until Prem, desperate to change the subject, asked, "How did you find me? I thought you were... you were still recovering."

Boun's eyes darkened, his playfulness fading. "You were late tonight..... Later than usual." He glanced at Prem with a seriousness that made Prem's heart skip a beat. "I was worried. I waited, but... I could sense something was wrong. So I came looking for you."

Prem's breath caught in his throat.

 No one had ever said those words to him.

 No one had ever cared if he was late, or even if he came home at all.

His father, lost to the bottle, barely acknowledged Prem's existence unless it was to berate or demand money. There had been nights when Prem had stumbled home bruised or exhausted, his heart heavy and his hope nearly gone, but the door had always stayed shut, the house dark, and his father's indifference colder than the night air. He could have been dragged away by wild animals, vanished into the shadows of the forest, and no one would have known or cared.

But today, Boun did.

The realization hit him like a wave, and Prem felt his chest tighten. Warmth welled up from somewhere deep inside him, mingling with the tears that threatened to spill over. He glanced at Boun and saw the raw sincerity in his gaze.....the way his brows knitted in genuine worry. The weight of it all made Prem's heart twist painfully, and he flushed, feeling both touched and unworthy.

"I... I don't know what to say," he whispered, his voice thick. His eyes stung as he fought back tears, turning his head away. "No one's ever... I mean... you waited."

Boun stepped closer, his expression softening. "You don't have to say anything," he murmured, his tone low and gentle. "Just know that you're not alone anymore."

Prem swallowed hard, emotions swirling within him. It was almost too much.....too much care, too much kindness, after years of surviving on scraps of affection. He clenched his fists to keep himself steady, but when Boun's hand lightly touched his shoulder, the dam broke. Tears streamed down his cheeks, and he didn't try to hide them.