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It was to nobody’s surprise that after a few trailblaze expeditions, Caelus grew more popular.
The charming, silly stellaron boy, who’s also the newest member of the astral express! Who couldn’t love this guy??
Dan Heng wasn’t surprised he often got recognized first out of the crew. People often greeted him with saying they admired him, or giving the occasional compliment.
To clarify; Dan Heng wasn’t jealous… probably.
He could admit, Caelus was very charming, and (even if he didn’t mean to) could even occasionally come off as flirty.
So no wonder the occasional randoms would gawk over him or flirt with him. Dan Heng wasn’t surprised, and even if he did find it irritating at most, Caelus’ quick “Thanks but I have a boyfriend” always reassured him.
He was… really lucky to have Caelus, and even luckier to grab him first before anyone more attractive and outgoing did.
“Dan Heng - 1, Randoms - 0” he always assured himself after Caelus politely rejected them.
Dan Heng smiled at the thought, before abruptly being brought to the present.
He was in public doing something. What was he doing again? Why is he at the space station??
…Oh right. Errand running for Caelus (because he was “too busy on that grind for the new banner that’s coming out in 2 days” for his gacha game).
He sighed, double checking he got everything before making his way back to the parlor car.
It was.. unusually quiet. So quiet he could single in on a group of people’s conversation if he really wanted to.
And he didn’t.
Or at least, not until they brought up Caelus.
“-him? Oh yeah, Caelus.” The researcher lady chuckled, “I think he’s really cute. Too bad he’s a bit weird,”
“A bit?” Another person chimed in, shaking their head. “I’m not sure how anyone actually likes him.. sure, he’s done all this great and looked even greater while doing it- but he’s just a freak.” She sighed, dryly chuckling. “Maybe I would get in the line of people if he acted a bit more sane.”
Dan Heng grit his teeth, regrettably staying at the consistent pace.
“Don’t be so rude, he is a big shot hero after all.” She shrugs, pausing before adding. “..Though I can’t blame you. I only really like him for his looks- other than that, he’s a big pass.”
Dan Heng quickly walked away, his knuckles turning white with how hard his fist was balled.
Seriously?? ‘only liked him for his looks??’
They don’t even like Caelus at all if that’s the case! They’re just..petty. Petty people who have nothing better to discuss than to criticize a man who has done nothing but good.
I mean, Dan Heng would be fine if they were just calling him pretty, he’s used to that.
BUT MAKING FUN OF HIS PERSONALITY?? Dan Heng could feel his eyes twitch just from replaying their sentences in his head.
They clearly don’t like Caelus at all if that’s the case.. Maybe he shouldn’t be this mad over random people’s opinion.
He frowned, storming back to the express grumpily.
Resting in Caelus’ warm arms and seeing his kind smile would calm him down.. All he can do is hope Caelus was just conveniently waiting for him in his room.
Dan Heng sighed, trying to appear less angry as he stepped in the express. Lazily leaving the bags on a nearby counter, making a mental note to tidy the area himself later.
Dan Heng slid the door open, meet with a surprised Caelus.
“..You’re back early.” He curiously said , seeming pleasantly surprised. He eagerly sat up, leaving his comfortable position on Dan Heng’s bed to give him an eager hug.
Immediately, Dan Heng could feel himself calm down. He hummed, reciprocating the embrace. “Unlike you, I don’t take 4 detours every time I’m tasked with errands.”
“Oh hush.” He chuckled, suppressing a soft giggle.
Dan Heng loved hearing his small chuckles. They were a pleasing reaction, and just made him love Caelus even more.
Caelus grinned, before he reluctantly pulled away to look at his face. “Well, did you go on any detours? Anything interesting?”
‘Oh I got mad at some random people who were talking about you’
“..No.” He lied, resting his head comfortably in the crook of Caelus’ neck.
Caelus hums simply, believing him. He holds Dan Heng closer again, enjoying his warmth.
Dan Heng was definitely feeling better now. He’s remained of how much he loves Caelus. His warmth, his kindness, his smile, his…everything. ( when did he get this clingy?? )
He leans into Caelus’ embrace, feeling too blissed out to reply to Caelus’ cheeky teasing.. he was probably just also calling him clingy.
Dan Heng comfortably wraps his arms around Caelus’ waist, holding him impossibly closer. Caelus was like his own personal heater, the stellaron always causing him to be warm. (perfect for hugging, In Dan Heng’s opinion).
“What’s got you like this? You usually don’t dive into my arms first thing when you see me.” Caelus chuckles, though clearly not complaining.
“..Not important. Just let me have this.”
Caelus sighs, grinning faintly as he nods. “..Alright, but just know you’re getting me more curious.” He teased, placing a soft kiss to his head.
Dan Heng hummed, suppressing a soft grin.
He loved how affectionate Caelus was. It was something he’d never admit, but Dan Heng always looked forward to a ‘good morning hug’ or ‘goodnight kiss’ (Caelus’ words not his). His ways of showing affection were usually physical, but Dan Heng was certainly not complaining.
It just ment Dan Heng could bask in his warmth, and enjoy Caelus’ gentle hold.
…He’s going off again about how much he loves Caelus. Maybe he should’ve stayed curious and not eavesdrop on a random conversation.
But in his defense, how could he not get a little protective after hearing how they talked about him??
Caelus was so perfect, even beyond his VERY mesmerizing looks! He wished they either realized that, or buzzed off entirely. Caelus deserves someone that can realize how truly amazing he is. Not some random researchers who have poor taste.
“..I love you.” Dan Heng mumbles, closing his eyes comfortably.
Caelus is definitely caught off guard by the sudden words, but is pleasantly surprised nonetheless.
“I love you too, Dan Heng.”