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Chapter Text

The stage lights dimmed as the MC’s voice rang through the venue, clear and commanding.

“Hi, Planets! I’m sure you’ve all been waiting for this moment. The masters who will guide you through the second round of this competition are ready to meet you. Last season, you were mentored by experts in dance, vocal, and rap. But this time, we’ve decided to take things up a notch.”

The crowd erupted into cheers, a mixture of excited yells and murmurs of speculation. Trainees shifted nervously in their seats, exchanging whispers. Backstage, the tension was palpable; the faint hum of the LED lights above seemed deafening in the silence.

“And now…” The MC’s voice took on a dramatic edge. “Please welcome our Creative Group Performance Director, the one and only… Ricky from ZeroBaseOne!”

The curtains parted. A figure stepped into the spotlight, his tall, lean frame exuding confidence. Ricky was dressed in a tailored black suit that fit him like a second skin, the sheen of the fabric catching the light as he moved. His black hair was styled into a tousled yet deliberate mess, sharp cheekbones framed by an aura of cool detachment.

His dark eyes swept across the room with the precision of a hawk, taking in the sea of faces. The smirk on his lips was slight but unmistakable—self-assured, bordering on smug. And then, his gaze landed on one figure, standing near the back of the trainee section.

Ma Jingxiang.

Jingxiang felt the weight of Ricky’s stare like a physical force. His chest tightened, and for a moment, it was as though the air had been sucked out of the room. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms, trying to steady the storm of emotions surging within him.

He hadn’t expected this. Not Ricky. Not here.

The memory hit him like a freight train.

The echo of applause in the arena. The biting sting of his name not being called. The sight of Ricky, seated in the audience, clapping politely for someone else. Jingxiang had left the first season of Boys Planet feeling hollow and bitter. And Ricky—his teammate back then—had been untouchable, like a star shining too brightly to look at directly. Now, that same star was here, poised to judge him.

The MC’s voice jolted him back to the present. “Ma Jingxiang!”

Jingxiang took a steadying breath and stepped forward, the murmurs in the audience growing louder as they recognized him. Each step felt heavier than the last, the polished floor of the stage amplifying the sound of his boots against the silence.

He stopped in front of the mentors’ table. Ricky sat at the center, his smirk gone now, replaced by a cold, calculating expression. The faint murmur of the audience faded into the background, leaving only the tension between them.

“Nice to see you again, Jingxiang,” Ricky said, his tone neutral but laced with an edge that made Jingxiang’s stomach churn. “I have to admit—I didn’t expect to see you back this season.”

Jingxiang squared his shoulders, meeting Ricky’s gaze head-on. “Nice to see you too, Ricky.” His voice was steady, but the sarcasm was impossible to miss. “I guess we’re both full of surprises.”

Ricky’s eyebrow arched, and the corner of his mouth twitched upward, almost imperceptibly. “Surprises? Maybe. But I’m more curious than surprised. I’m looking forward to seeing how much you’ve… grown since last season.”

The dig was subtle, but it landed. Jingxiang’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides.

“I don’t need to prove anything to you. I’m here to win, not to play games.”

Ricky leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs with an air of relaxed confidence. “Good. Then show me.”

The air in the rehearsal hall was stifling, heavy with expectation. Jingxiang called his group into formation, his voice steady despite the chaos swirling inside him. They were performing “The Eve” by EXO, a track that demanded precision, presence, and charisma.

The music began, and the room seemed to vibrate with the deep bassline. Jingxiang moved with purpose, leading the group through the choreography. His body hit every beat with practiced precision, his expressions sharp and commanding. For a moment, it was easy to forget the tension from earlier.

The audience was hooked. The fluid movements, the sensuality of the choreography, the synchronization—it all came together beautifully. But just as the group transitioned into their self-choreographed dance break, everything fell apart.

Sang-hee, one of the youngest members, stumbled. It was subtle at first—a misstep during a turn. But in the delicate balance of their routine, even the smallest mistake snowballed.

Sang-hee tripped again, this time catching the edge of another member’s foot.

The ripple effect was instant. The group faltered, their rhythm breaking as hesitation set in.

The tension in the room turned suffocating as the trainees froze, unsure how to proceed.

Then, the music continued for a few agonizing seconds before someone finally cut it and the silence was deafening.

Jingxiang turned to face his group, his chest heaving from the exertion. His teammates looked down, avoiding his gaze. Sang-hee’s face was pale, his hands trembling at his sides.

From the mentors’ table, Ricky’s voice cut through the quiet like a knife. “Is this a joke?” His tone was sharp, every syllable dripping with disdain. “You call that a performance?”

Jingxiang stepped forward, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. “We had a mistake,” he said, his voice steady despite the chaos swirling in his chest. “But we can fix it. We just need—”

“A mistake?” Ricky’s laugh was humorless. “A mistake is forgetting a move and recovering. This?” He gestured broadly at the group. “This was a disaster. You’re the leader, Jingxiang. What exactly were you leading?”

The words hit like a slap. Jingxiang felt the heat rise to his cheeks, his breath quickening as humiliation mixed with anger.

Min-woo, one of the dance mentors, stepped in, his voice calm but firm. “Ricky, that’s enough. They’re nervous, and it’s only the second round. Mistakes happen.”

Ricky turned to Min-woo, his smirk softening into something resembling amusement.

“Nervousness doesn’t excuse poor preparation. This is a competition, not a rehearsal. Mistakes cost you in this industry, and if they can’t handle the pressure now, they won’t survive later.”

His gaze returned to Jingxiang, cold and unyielding. “You have potential, Jingxiang. I won’t deny that. But potential without discipline is meaningless.” He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a low murmur. “Fix it. Or step aside and let someone else lead.”

The weight of Ricky’s words settled over the group like a thick fog. Jingxiang took a deep breath, forcing himself to meet Ricky’s gaze. “We’ll fix it,” he said firmly, the fire in his voice refusing to waver.

The rehearsal hall was heavy with silence, the kind that settled deep in the bones and threatened to crush anyone who dared to speak. The faint hum of the overhead lights buzzed against the murmurs of the other trainees, their voices rising like static. Jingxiang stood at the center of it all, every gaze on him sharp enough to cut.

His breathing was steady, measured—at least on the surface. Inside, his chest burned with the sting of failure.

Ricky’s  critique still hung in the air like smoke, curling around the room and suffocating what little confidence the group had left.

“You’re right, Master Ricky-nim,” Jingxiang said at last, his voice a deliberate calm despite the storm raging within. His eyes, dark and unwavering, locked on Ricky’s. “We haven’t finished practicing the whole performance. But we can do better. We just need more time.”

The faintest arch of Ricky’s brow was his only response, but it spoke volumes. "Time?" His voice sliced through the silence, cold and sharp. “Time is a luxury you don’t have. You either shape up, or you go home.”

Ricky’s words hit harder than they should have. Maybe it was the way he said them—so matter-of-fact, so final. Or maybe it was because they came from him. The one person Jingxiang had hoped to avoid disappointing.

“This isn’t a game, Jingxiang,” Ricky continued, his tone relentless. “This is a fight for your dreams. And right now, it doesn’t look like you’re ready for it.”

Jingxiang’s jaw tightened. He knew the others were watching—his group, the other trainees, the mentors—and the last thing he wanted to show was weakness.

“I know that,” he said, his voice firmer now, steadier. “And I’m not going down without a fight.”

For a moment, something shifted in Ricky’s expression. A flicker of something—respect, maybe—passed through his sharp gaze.

“Good,” Ricky said at last, his voice softening just enough to let the words sink in. “Then prove it. Show me why you deserve to be here. Why you deserve to lead that group.” He turned to the mentors without waiting for a reply. “Their performance today fell below expectations. But there’s potential. Let’s give them one more chance to prove themselves.”

As the mentors murmured their agreement, Jingxiang let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. Relief washed over him, but it was short-lived. This was far from over.

The air backstage was tense, thick with unspoken words and unacknowledged fears. The muffled sounds of other trainees laughing and chattering in the distance only made the silence around Group 1 more unbearable.

Jingxiang’s team stood clustered together, their faces a mixture of relief and exhaustion. No one dared to meet his eyes, and he didn’t blame them. He barely had the strength to meet his own reflection right now.

He straightened his back, forcing himself to speak. "Alright," he began, his voice cutting through the heavy atmosphere. “We knew this wasn’t going to be easy. But we’ve got another chance, and we’re not wasting it.”

The words felt hollow in his throat, but he pushed them out anyway.

Chenyu was the first to respond. His usual playful demeanor was gone, replaced by a rare seriousness. “Jingxiang’s right,” he said, his voice quiet but steady. “We can’t let this happen again.”

Sang-hee stepped forward, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. “We let you down today. That’s on us. But tomorrow…” He took a breath, his eyes meeting Jingxiang’s.

“Tomorrow, we’ll be ready.”

Jingxiang’s chest tightened at their words. For all their faults—for all his faults—they believed in him.

“Thank you,” he said simply, his voice softer now. “Tomorrow, we’ll start fresh. No shortcuts. No excuses. We’ll run through the choreography step by step until it’s perfect.”

There were no cheers, no affirmations. Just a quiet, determined nod from each of them before they dispersed to their dorms.

Jingxiang lingered, the weight of the day pressing down on him. The rehearsal hall was empty now, its echoes reminding him of everything he had to fix.

The dorm room was stifling, and Jingxiang couldn’t take it anymore. Changing into a hoodie and sweats, he slipped outside. The air was cool, biting against his skin, but it felt good. It felt real.

As he wandered, he spotted a familiar figure leaning against the side of the building. Ricky.

The faint glow of his cigarette illuminated his sharp features, casting shadows across his face. He looked… tired.

Jingxiang hesitated, his steps faltering. But something pushed him forward.

“You can’t sleep either?” Ricky’s voice broke the silence before Jingxiang could even open his mouth. He didn’t look up, his eyes fixed on the horizon.

“No,” Jingxiang admitted, stopping a few feet away.

Ricky took a drag from his cigarette, exhaling slowly. The smoke curled into the night sky, disappearing into the darkness. “Too much on your mind?”

Jingxiang nodded. “Yeah.”

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The night was quiet, save for the faint rustle of leaves and the distant hum of traffic.

“I didn’t think I’d see you again,” Jingxiang said at last, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ricky glanced at him, his expression unreadable. “Neither did I.” He flicked ash from his cigarette, his gaze returning to the skyline. “But life’s funny like that. It has a way of bringing people back together… or tearing them apart.”

The bitterness in Ricky’s voice cut deeper than Jingxiang expected.

The words hung in the air, thick with meaning.

Ricky’s eyes didn’t leave his for a moment, and something in that gaze made Jingxiang’s heart stutter. The quiet between them was heavy, as if the years that had passed didn’t just separate them in time, but in ways that could never be undone.

“We both know that’s your doing, Jingxiang.” Ricky’s voice was steady, his gaze piercing.

Jingxiang flinched as if the words had struck him physically, but he didn’t look away.

Instead, he swallowed hard, trying to steady the storm inside him. “What do you mean?” he asked, his voice suddenly tight. “You avoided me like the plague after the Rush Performance in Season 1. I really thought we’d have each other’s back. After all, we spoke the same language, didn’t we?”

Ricky leaned back against the wall, folding his arms across his chest. He didn’t answer right away, but when he did, his words were slow, measured. “You and I both know that after that performance, things were never the same. Your ego was bruised, and my reputation was on the line.” He exhaled sharply, his breath visible in the cool night. “We were both too proud to admit it, but it tore us apart.”

His eyes softened briefly, but there was no softness in his voice. “We pretended everything was fine, but we both know it wasn’t. You pushed me away... and I let you.”

Jingxiang’s chest tightened, the ache in his ribs becoming a physical sensation. He hadn’t realized how much of that hurt still lingered, how the weight of their unfinished business pressed against him now. He looked away, the gravel beneath his feet suddenly fascinating.

"You know I'm a perfectionist," he said, the words coming out more quietly than he intended. "I thought... I thought I wasn't good enough back then. I was selfish—always wanting the spotlight, taking every part because I thought it would be my last chance to prove something to myself. To everyone.” He let out a shaky breath, his voice dropping even lower. “I pushed you away, but I never wanted to hurt you. You were the only one who understood me. The only one who ever pushed me to be better."

Ricky was silent for a long time, his expression unreadable. The night stretched between them, thick with things unsaid. Finally, Ricky’s eyes softened, but the hardness still lingered in his tone.

“I know you didn’t mean to hurt me, Jingxiang.” Ricky stepped forward, closing the gap between them. His voice was quiet, but there was a weight to it that hung in the air like thick fog. “But sometimes... pride gets in the way of everything. Of feelings, of understanding.” He paused, looking down at his boots before lifting his gaze back up to meet Jingxiang’s. “I was just as guilty as you were."

The words sliced through the tension like a blade, but Jingxiang’s chest tightened as Ricky continued.

"But you weren’t there when I needed you most. I called you—over and over—when I was struggling during the third round. I was alone, feeling like I was falling behind, and I thought...” Ricky’s voice faltered, and for a moment, it was all Jingxiang could hear, that crack in his façade. “I thought you’d care enough to talk to me."

Jingxiang felt his stomach drop, the guilt rising like bile in his throat. His hand trembled as he reached up to rub his face, trying to dispel the wave of regret crashing through him.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I was so wrapped up in my own world that I didn’t see you were struggling. I should’ve been there, Ricky. I should’ve reached out.”

Ricky’s expression remained unreadable, but there was a subtle shift in the air between them, something that felt like the first crack in a wall built over years of silence.

“I know you’re sorry,” Ricky said, his voice quiet, but sharp. “But you didn’t just hurt me by ignoring me. You hurt me by making me feel like I wasn’t worth your time.”

Jingxiang winced. The words landed heavier than anything else.

“It’s too late for apologies, Jingxiang. It’s been years. I’ve spent all this time alone, pretending like nothing was wrong... but I’ve been angry. I’m still angry.”

Jingxiang nodded, his throat dry, the silence between them thick and suffocating. The weight of their shared history lay heavily in the space, both trying to decide what came next.

"I can’t change the past, Ricky," he said, voice cracking but steady. "But I regret it. I regret pushing you away. And if I could go back, I would do it all differently. I was selfish. I was too focused on proving something to the world, and I lost sight of everything else."

Ricky’s gaze softened for a fleeting moment, but then his jaw clenched again. “You can’t change the past. But you can prove you’ve changed, Jingxiang. That’s the only way to make things right.”

Jingxiang met his eyes, his heart pounding in his chest. “How?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "How do I prove that?"

“By being there when it counts," Ricky said, voice low but resolute. "By showing me that you're not just in this for yourself. You’ve been so focused on your own ambition, but you’ve never cared about the people around you. You pushed me aside, and now... now it’s time to show me that you’ve learned.”

There was a pause, and for a moment, Jingxiang felt like the world had stopped moving.

Ricky was still there, standing before him, challenging him, testing him in a way that felt both impossible and necessary.

“I’ll prove it,” Jingxiang said finally, his voice thick with emotion. “I’ll show you, Ricky. I promise.”

The words were heay, laden with the weight of everything they had been through and everything that was yet to come. But even as he said them, Jingxiang knew that the real test had only just begun.

Chapter Text

Ma Jingxiang stared at his reflection, watching the sheen of sweat glint under the harsh fluorescent lights as it traced uneven paths down his temples. He rolled his shoulders, trying to shake off the growing weight of tension, but it clung to him, relentless. Behind him, the mirrored image of his group was a collage of exhaustion—hunched shoulders, flushed faces, and the unspoken frustration thick in the air.

The room itself seemed to conspire against them. The buzz of the overhead lights was sharp, grating, like a swarm of invisible bees. The floorboards beneath their sneakers creaked faintly with each movement, a subtle reminder of how long they’d been at this. Hours? Longer?

“Again,” Jingxiang ordered, his voice sharper than he intended. He cleared his throat, softening it. “From the bridge.”

The group straightened, though the enthusiasm was gone. Their movements had lost their edge, their precision dulled by repetition and fatigue. Jingxiang pinched the bridge of his nose, willing his irritation to ebb. They’re tired, he reminded himself. We’re all tired.

Then came the knock at the door.

Jingxiang’s gaze snapped to the sound, irritation flaring until he caught sight of the figure leaning casually in the doorway. Ricky.

Of course it was Ricky.

“What are you doing here?” Jingxiang asked, the edge in his voice returning.

Ricky stepped inside, letting the door close behind him with a soft thud. The room instantly felt smaller, his presence impossible to ignore. “I heard you guys were struggling.” His voice was level, almost disarmingly calm. “Thought I’d drop by, see if I could help.”

Jingxiang’s lips pressed into a thin line. He crossed his arms over his chest, the fabric of his oversized practice shirt pulling tight against his shoulders. “Help?” The word came out like a challenge. “What’s that supposed to mean? You think you can fix everything just by walking in here?”

Ricky raised a brow, unfazed by the hostility. “No. But I know what it’s like to hit a wall. Sometimes a fresh perspective is all you need.”

There it was again—that infuriating calm, like Ricky had already sized up the entire situation and concluded Jingxiang hadn’t.

The room felt heavier. The silence between them stretched, taut as a wire. Behind Jingxiang, the other members exchanged glances, unsure whether to intervene or stay out of the line of fire.

Finally, Jingxiang exhaled, the fight bleeding out of him. “Fine,” he muttered, avoiding Ricky’s gaze. “But don’t expect me to roll out a red carpet.”

Ricky’s lips quirked into a half-smile, the kind that made Jingxiang’s blood simmer. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

The music started again, filling the room with a pulsating beat that Jingxiang had heard so many times it felt like it was etched into his skull. He moved into position, the others following his lead.

Their opening sequence was strong, as always. Bodies snapped into perfect lines, their movements crisp and synchronized. But as the song progressed, the cracks began to show. The transitions between sections grew shaky, their energy faltering at critical moments.

Jingxiang pushed harder, his movements almost frantic in their intensity. He could feel Ricky watching him, the weight of his gaze heavier than any spotlight.

When the song ended, Ricky stepped forward, clapping once to cut through the lingering hum of the speakers. “Stop,” he said, his tone brooking no argument.

Jingxiang straightened, his chest heaving as he turned to face Ricky. “What now?”

Ricky crossed his arms, his gaze sweeping over the group before landing squarely on Jingxiang. “Your transitions are sloppy.”

Jingxiang’s fists clenched at his sides. “I know that.”

“Do you?” Ricky’s brow arched, his voice calm but unyielding. “Because it looks like you’re rushing through them without thinking. You’re throwing off the rhythm, and the group is following your lead.”

The words stung more than Jingxiang wanted to admit. He felt the heat rise in his face, but he refused to look away. “I’m doing my best.”

Ricky’s expression softened, just slightly. “I know you are. But your best isn’t enough if you’re not fully present. You’re distracted—angry, frustrated, tired—and it’s showing. The group is feeding off your energy, Jingxiang. If you’re not steady, neither are they.”

The room was deathly quiet. Jingxiang’s gaze flicked to his teammates, their worried expressions like mirrors reflecting his own doubts.

“Maybe you should lead, then,” Jingxiang snapped, the words tumbling out before he could stop them. “Since you’re so perfect at everything.”

Ricky’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t rise to the bait. “I’m not here to take over. I’m here because I know what it feels like to have the weight of everyone’s expectations on your shoulders. And I also know you’re better than this.”

The words hit harder than any critique. Jingxiang felt his throat tighten, the frustration boiling over into something messier, something he didn’t want to show here. He turned abruptly, storming out of the room before the tears brimming in his eyes could spill over.

The hallway was cold, a sharp contrast to the stifling heat of the practice room. Jingxiang slumped against the wall, his head falling into his hands. His chest ached with the weight of everything—his failures, his insecurities, Ricky’s infuriatingly calm voice echoing in his ears.

He didn’t know how long he sat there before a soft voice pulled him back.

“Hyung?”

Jingxiang glanced up to see Woo Ha Joon standing a few steps away, his face etched with concern.

“Are you okay?” Ha Joon asked gently.

Jingxiang opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. He looked away, ashamed to be seen like this.

Ha Joon hesitated for a moment before sitting down beside him, close enough to offer support but far enough to give him space. “You don’t have to do this alone,” he said quietly. “We’re a team. We’re here because we believe in you.”

Jingxiang’s breath hitched, the sincerity in Ha Joon’s voice breaking through the wall he’d built around himself. He exhaled shakily, a weak smile tugging at his lips.

“Thanks,” he murmured.

Ha Joon smiled back, his presence steady and grounding. The faint thrum of music leaked through the door, a reminder that the others were still inside, still waiting for their leader to return.

Jingxiang wasn’t ready yet. But for the first time that day, he thought he might get there.

Ha Joonstepped closer, his movements careful, as if afraid Jingxiang might shatter under his touch. Without a word, he reached out and placed a steady hand on Jingxiang’s shoulder. The warmth of the gesture was grounding, anchoring him to the present.

“Come on,” Ha Joon said gently. “Let’s sit down.”

He guided Jingxiang to a bench a few steps away, his hand never leaving the older trainee’s shoulder. The wood of the bench was cold, and Jingxiang sank onto it heavily, his shoulders slumping. Ha Joon crouched in front of him, meeting his gaze with a calm determination.

“You’ve been pushing yourself too hard,” Ha Joon said, his tone leaving no room for argument. He pressed a bottle of water into Jingxiang’s hands. “Drink.”

Jingxiang drank the cool liquid soothing his parched throat. He avoided Ha Joon's eyes, his gaze fixed on the floor. “Thanks,” he murmured, his voice barely audible.

Woo Ha Joon shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “You don’t have to thank me, hyung. We’re a team, remember? That means looking out for each other.”

The sincerity in Ha Joon’s voice made something in Jingxiang’s chest crack, the weight of his self-imposed isolation suddenly unbearable. He looked up, his eyes meeting Ha Joon. There was no judgment there, only genuine concern.

Before Jingxiang could speak, Ha Joon’s hands gently cupped his face, tilting it upward. “Aigoo,” Ha Joon teased, a playful light returning to his eyes. “You’re too pretty to cry, hyung. Like a baby penguin.”

Jingxiang blinked, caught off guard by the absurdity of the comment. A startled laugh escaped him before he could stop it, and he swatted Ha Joon’s hands away.

 “Don’t make fun of me,” he muttered, though the corners of his lips quirked upward.

“I’m not making fun,” Ha Joon insisted, his grin widening. “Just stating facts.”

The tension in Jingxiang’s chest eased, replaced by a warmth he hadn’t felt in weeks. He shook his head, a faint smile lingering. “I’m just... so tired of feeling like I’m not good enough,” he admitted, the words spilling out before he could stop them.

Ha Joon’s expression softened, his playful demeanor giving way to something far more serious. “Hyung,” he said quietly, his voice steady. “You are good enough. You’re one of the strongest people I know. You’re determined, passionate, and you work harder than anyone. You’ve earned your place here.”

The conviction in Ha Joon’s words hit Jingxiang like a tidal wave, washing away the doubts that had been gnawing at him. He looked at the younger trainee, his throat tight with unspoken emotion.

“You know,” Jingxiang said after a moment, his voice barely above a whisper, “I’ve always been taught to stay humble, to not... boast about my abilities. But hearing you say that... it means a lot.”

Ha Joon grinned, the light returning to his eyes. He ruffled Jingxiang’s hair, earning a half-hearted swat in return. “Don’t get used to it. I’m not always this nice.”

Jingxiang let out a soft laugh, the sound feeling foreign yet welcome. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Without warning, Ha Joon pulled him into a firm hug, his arms wrapping securely around Jingxiang’s shoulders. The gesture was so sudden, so unexpected, that Jingxiang froze. But as Ha Joon’s warmth seeped into him, he found himself relaxing, his own arms hesitantly coming up to return the embrace.

“Promise me something,” Ha Joon murmured, his voice low but insistent. “If you ever feel like this again, you come to me. No matter what. Promise?”

Jingxiang nodded against Ha Joon's shoulder, the words catching in his throat. “Promise,” he whispered.

For a moment, everything else faded away—the pressure, the expectations, the self-doubt. In Ha Joon’s arms, Jingxiang felt a small but powerful sense of relief, as if the weight he’d been carrying had finally lessened.

When Ha Joon finally pulled back, he scanned Jingxiang’s face, a teasing glint in his eyes. “You’re finally smiling, Jingxiang-ah. I can’t believe I’m the only one who gets to see it. Everyone else is going to be so jealous.”

Jingxiang rolled his eyes, but the smile lingered. “You’re such a dork, Ha Joon.”

“And you love it,” Ha Joonshot back, winking.

Jingxiang shook his head, laughter bubbling up despite himself. For the first time in what felt like ages, the crushing weight of inadequacy felt a little lighter.

From the shadows just beyond the hallway, Ricky watched the exchange in silence. His jaw tightened as he saw the way Jingxiang leaned into Ha Joon’s embrace, the way his smile returned under Ha Joon’s care. A pang of jealousy twisted in Ricky’s chest, sharp and unforgiving.

That should have been me.

He clenched his fists, a storm of regret and longing swirling within him. He’d always kept his distance, letting his pride and fear build walls between them. But now, watching someone else provide the comfort Jingxiang so desperately needed, Ricky felt the sting of his own cowardice.

“Damn it,” he muttered under his breath, turning away. The competition was still ahead, and he couldn’t afford distractions. But as he walked back to the practice room, the image of Jingxiang’s smile lingered in his mind, haunting and bittersweet.

The Next Interim Feedback Mission

The rehearsal room buzzed with quiet energy, its walls lined with mirrors that reflected both the contestants and the intensity of their focus. Fluorescent lights cast a stark, almost ethereal glow over the polished floors, where sweat and determination mingled.

The contestants stood in a loose semicircle, shifting their weight from foot to foot as they awaited their mentor's critique. Ricky stood at the front, arms crossed, his sharp gaze cutting through the tension.

“Did you all work on your fluidity like I told you?” he asked, his voice steady and authoritative. It wasn’t just a question; it was a challenge.

The group responded with silent nods, their eyes betraying a mixture of fatigue and resolve. For most of them, this was a chance to prove themselves. For one, it was something more.

Ricky’s eyes found Jingxiang at the back of the group. The young dancer’s posture was rigid, his arms crossed tightly over his chest as if to shield himself from the weight of Ricky’s scrutiny. Their gazes met, and for a fleeting moment, the air between them seemed charged. Ricky’s breath hitched imperceptibly, but he quickly tore his attention back to the task at hand.

“Let’s see your progress,” Ricky said, gesturing for the music to begin.

The speakers crackled to life, and the room filled with a pulsing rhythm. One by one, the contestants moved into formation, their bodies syncing with the beat. Ricky’s eyes darted from one dancer to the next, silently critiquing their technique, their precision, their energy. The improvements were evident, but so were the flaws.

And then there was Jingxiang.

At the center of the group, he executed each move with razor-sharp precision, his movements technically flawless. But there was something missing. Ricky could see it in the way Jingxiang’s shoulders remained taut, his expression controlled but hollow. He wasn’t dancing—he was performing a series of steps, calculated and restrained. Ricky’s chest tightened with frustration.

When the music stopped, the contestants froze in place, their breathing heavy. Ricky clapped twice, his hands slicing through the tense silence.

“Not bad,” he began, his voice even. “You’ve all made progress since the last time I saw you. But we’re not there yet. You’re still playing it safe, and safe doesn’t win competitions.” His eyes swept over the group before settling once again on Jingxiang. “Jingxiang, step forward.”

A ripple of curiosity passed through the other contestants as Jingxiang uncrossed his arms and took a measured step forward. His chin was lifted, his expression neutral, but Ricky could sense the storm brewing behind his dark eyes.

“What’s going on with you?” Ricky asked, his tone softer now but no less direct. “You’re holding back. Why?”

Jingxiang’s jaw clenched, his fingers curling into fists at his sides. “I’m not holding back,” he said evenly. “I’m giving it everything I have.”

Ricky took a step closer, lowering his voice so only Jingxiang could hear. “No, you’re not. You’re holding something back, and I’m going to figure out what it is.” He straightened, his voice rising again. “Meet me here at eleven tonight. Just the two of us.”

Jingxiang’s eyes widened briefly before narrowing. He nodded once, his expression unreadable. “Fine.”

The cool night air bit at Jingxiang’s skin as he made his way back to the rehearsal room. The hallway was eerily quiet, the usual buzz of voices and footsteps replaced by the low hum of fluorescent lights. Each step felt heavier than the last, weighed down by a mix of anticipation and unease.

When he reached the door, he paused, his hand resting on the cold metal handle. He took a deep breath, steeling himself, before pushing it open. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow from the stage lights casting long, shifting shadows on the walls. It was the same room he had spent countless hours in, yet tonight it felt different—more intimate, more charged.

Jingxiang set his bag down in the corner and began his warm-up routine. The familiar stretches and exercises helped ground him, though his mind raced with unanswered questions. What does Ricky want from me? The thought gnawed at him, feeding the tension in his already sore muscles.

The door creaked open, and Jingxiang’s head snapped up.

Ricky stood in the doorway, his lean frame silhouetted by the harsh light from the hallway.

“You’re early,” Jingxiang said, his voice steadier than he felt.

“So are you,” Ricky replied, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. He crossed the room with purposeful strides, his presence filling the space in a way that made Jingxiang’s pulse quicken.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Ricky’s eyes scanned Jingxiang, taking in the tension in his posture, the faint sheen of sweat on his brow. Finally, he said, “You’ve been picking at the same flaw all night.” He gestured to Jingxiang’s hand, where his fingers had been worrying at a small tear in his practice shirt.

Jingxiang’s cheeks flushed as he dropped his hand to his side. “It’s nothing,” he muttered.

Ricky closed the remaining distance between them, his voice softening. “It’s not nothing. You’re carrying something, and it’s holding you back.”

Jingxiang’s eyes flicked away, but Ricky reached out, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. “Look at me,” he said, his tone firm but kind.

Jingxiang’s gaze reluctantly met Ricky’s, and for a moment, the world seemed to still. There was no judgment in Ricky’s eyes, only an intensity that felt both comforting and disarming.

“You don’t have to do this alone,” Ricky said quietly. “Whatever it is, we’ll face it together. But you must trust me”

The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning. For the first time that night, Jingxiang felt the walls he had built around himself begin to crack. His shoulders sagged, and he let out a shaky breath.

“I just...” His voice broke, and he looked away, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides. “I don’t want to fail. Not again.”

Ricky’s grip on his shoulder tightened briefly, a silent reassurance. “You won’t,” he said, his voice steady and certain. “Not if you trust me.”

For the first time that day, Jingxiang felt a flicker of hope. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to take the first step. The faint scent of hairspray and cologne lingered in the air, remnants of hurried preparations. Jingxiang stood near the edge of the mirror’s light, his posture tense and his gaze distant.

Ricky was watching him. Always watching, always noticing. Jingxiang’s stiff shoulders, the way his hands clenched and unclenched at his sides. It was telltale signs that something was brewing beneath the surface. Ricky stepped closer, his boots scuffing lightly against the polished floor.

“Jingxiang,” Ricky started, his voice low and careful, like testing thin ice. “What’s wrong? You’ve been like this all day.”

Jingxiang’s head snapped up, his dark eyes meeting Ricky’s for the briefest moment before darting away again. A storm flickered there, anger barely contained beneath layers of restraint. “It’s nothing,” he said, his voice clipped. “Just... the competition, I guess.”

Ricky’s brow furrowed. He stepped forward, closing the gap between them. His hand brushed against Jingxiang’s, a fleeting touch meant to ground them both. “Don’t lie to me, Jingxiang. I know you better than that. Whatever it is, you can talk to me.”

For a moment, it seemed like Jingxiang might relent. But then he laughed, the sound bitter and sharp. “Talk to you?” He shook his head, his lips curling into a humorless smile. “After everything that happened? After how harsh you were the first time around?”

Ricky winced at the accusation, but he didn’t pull back. “I know I was harsh. And I know I made mistakes. But I wasn’t trying to hurt you, Jingxiang.” His voice softened, taking on a raw, vulnerable edge. “I wanted to push you. I saw so much potential in you. More than you saw in yourself.”

Jingxiang’s laugh came again, quieter this time, but no less cutting. He turned away, his reflection glaring back at him from the mirror. “You say that now, but back then, your ‘methods’ just made me feel like I wasn’t good enough. Like I’d never measure up.” His voice dropped, heavy with the weight of old wounds. “Sometimes I wondered if you were punishing me for what happened during the first season.”

Ricky’s breath hitched. He took a step closer, his voice firm but not unkind. “What do you mean? You can’t still be holding onto that. It’s been three years, Jingxiang.”

Jingxiang whirled to face him, his eyes flashing with a mix of pain and fury. “Three years doesn’t erase what you did, Ricky!” His voice cracked, raw emotion spilling over the carefully constructed walls he’d built. “You ghosted me. You promised to help me, to guide me, and then you disappeared without a word. How am I supposed to forget that?”

The words hit like a punch to the gut, and Ricky staggered under their weight. He didn’t try to defend himself. Instead, he looked down, his hands balling into fists at his sides. “You’re right,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I did. And I’ve regretted it every day since.”

Jingxiang’s arms crossed over his chest, a shield against the emotions threatening to overwhelm him. “Why, Ricky? Why did you do it? Why did you pretend like I never existed after that performance?”

Ricky’s head snapped up, his eyes meeting Jingxiang’s. They were filled with something raw and unguarded, something that made Jingxiang’s breath catch. “Because I thought you’d be better off without me,” Ricky admitted. His voice cracked under the weight of the confession. “I was scared. Scared of what I felt for you. Scared that I’d mess things up even more if I stayed.”

The silence that followed was deafening. Ricky took a hesitant step forward, his hand reaching out to cup Jingxiang’s face. Jingxiang flinched but didn’t pull away. Ricky’s thumb brushed against his cheek, wiping away a tear he hadn’t even realized had fallen.

“I never wanted to hurt you,” Ricky whispered, his voice trembling. “I was trying to protect you. Protect us. But I see now that I only ended up hurting you more.”

Jingxiang’s breath hitched, his heart warring with his mind. He’d spent three years building walls around himself, three years convincing himself that he didn’t need Ricky. But now, standing here, feeling the warmth of Ricky’s hand against his skin, those walls felt paper-thin. The anger, the pain, the longing—it all swirled inside him, too tangled to unravel.

“Ricky, I...” Jingxiang’s voice faltered, the words caught in his throat. He closed his eyes, trying to steady himself. When he opened them again, Ricky was still there, his gaze unwavering.

“You don’t have to say anything,” Ricky said softly, his hand dropping back to his side. “Just... let me make it up to you. Let me show you how much you mean to me.”

Jingxiang looked away, his gaze falling to the floor. The war within him raged on, but there was a flicker of something else now—something fragile and hopeful.

Ricky stepped back, giving him space. “I’ll wait, Jingxiang. For as long as it takes.”

The words hung in the air, heavy with promise. Jingxiang’s heart ached with the weight of it all. He wasn’t ready to forgive, not yet. But for the first time in three years, he felt like maybe—just maybe—forgiveness wasn’t impossible.

Jingxiang stood frozen, his heart pounding in his chest, as Ricky’s voice broke the fragile silence between them. The words lingered, soft and vulnerable in the cool night air.

"Jingxiang," Ricky whispered, his voice barely audible yet trembling with emotion. "I know this is terrifying. I know our past is filled with wounds and regrets. But I also know… that there's something here between us—something worth fighting for. Something worth the risk of getting hurt again."

Jingxiang felt his breath catch. Risk. The word echoed in his mind, heavier than any weight he had ever known. He had spent so long avoiding this moment, burying his feelings deep within himself, afraid of the pain that would inevitably come with reopening old scars. But here Ricky was, standing before him, offering his heart once more.

Ricky’s thumb brushed a stray tear from Jingxiang’s cheek, a touch so tender it made Jingxiang’s chest ache. He could feel the warmth of Ricky’s hand on his skin, the sincerity in his eyes, and for a fleeting moment, he wanted to believe. He wanted to let go of the fear that gripped his soul, to surrender to the possibility that maybe—just maybe—this time could be different.

"Ricky..." Jingxiang whispered, his voice trembling as it fought to break free. His heart hammered against his ribs, a chaotic mix of fear, longing, and doubt. He should pull away, he should tell Ricky to leave. But he couldn’t. His body, betraying him, leaned into the touch, the ache in his chest growing unbearable.

"What is it, Jingxiang?" Ricky asked, his voice laced with concern, but the warmth was undeniable. He didn’t pull away. He didn’t retreat. He stayed, waiting for Jingxiang to say what he needed to say.

Jingxiang’s breath hitched, and before he could stop himself, the words he had buried for so long spilled out in a rush, raw and desperate.

"I love you."

The confession was a sharp release of emotion that Jingxiang hadn’t expected to feel—hadn’t expected to be able to say aloud after all this time. His eyes snapped to the side, away from Ricky, as the enormity of what he had just admitted sank in.

"I’m sorry," he muttered, his voice thick with shame and vulnerability. "I didn’t mean to—"

But before he could finish, Ricky’s hand gently cupped his chin, turning his face back toward him. There was no judgment in Ricky’s gaze—only love, only the kind of emotion that broke down walls and built new foundations.

"Don’t apologize," Ricky murmured, his thumb brushing away the lingering tears on Jingxiang’s face. "I’ve been waiting for you to say those words for three years."

Jingxiang’s chest tightened, his breath catching again as he searched Ricky’s eyes. There were no walls between them now—no distance, no masks. Ricky’s eyes were open, and what he saw there was something he had longed for but never believed would come. It was love. It was hope.

A small, tender smile pulled at Ricky’s lips as he leaned forward, his forehead brushing gently against Jingxiang’s. "I love you too, Jingxiang. I have for as long as I can remember."

Tears spilled from Jingxiang’s eyes, and he didn’t try to stop them this time. He let them fall freely, the weight of years of longing, pain, and uncertainty finally lifting. Ricky’s arms wrapped around him then, pulling him close, anchoring him to the moment, to this truth they had both been too scared to face.

"Come on," Ricky whispered, his voice barely a breath as he held Jingxiang tighter. "Let’s go somewhere... somewhere we can just be."

The words lingered between them, a promise that no more time would be wasted, that they were going to rebuild something—together. Ricky’s hand pressed against Jingxiang’s back, guiding him gently but firmly away from the spot where so many of their emotions had been left to fester.

They walked in silence, the cool night air swirling around them as they crossed the dark grounds of Boys Planet, the quiet hum of distant voices echoing in the distance. Their footsteps, soft on the earth, felt like an unspoken agreement between them: that they were no longer running from their feelings. They were walking toward each other, toward something more than fear.

Ahead of them stood an empty dorm—unused, silent, waiting. It was a place where anyone could come when the main training area was closed, a place that was more familiar with the echoes of practice than the whispers of intimacy. But tonight, it would bear witness to something different. Something new.

As they reached the door, Jingxiang wiped the last of his tears, a shaky exhale leaving his lips. He glanced up at Ricky, his chest still tight with emotion. "I can’t believe I just said that," he murmured, his voice thick with disbelief. "I’ve held that in for so long… I’ve never told anyone like this before."

Ricky’s hand reached up, tenderly wiping away the last remnants of his tears. "I know. I’ve been waiting for us to be honest, to say it. To finally give each other the truth."

The door opened with a soft creak, revealing the dimly lit room inside. The faint light from the moon slanted through the window, casting long shadows on the floor. It was quiet here, a sanctuary away from the constant chaos of the competition, away from the eyes of the world. It felt like the perfect place to begin again.

Jingxiang stepped inside, his heart still racing. This moment, so fragile, so full of raw emotion, felt unreal. After everything—after the silence, the distance, the mistakes—they were here, together. And somehow, in that moment, he felt whole.

Ricky led him to the couch, his movements gentle, almost reverent. As they sat, he didn’t let go of Jingxiang. His hand cupped his face again, his thumb tracing the line of his cheek as though memorizing the feel of him.

"Jingxiang," Ricky whispered, his voice barely above a breath, but full of sincerity. "I’m so sorry. For everything. For pushing you away, for letting fear control me. I thought if I stayed distant, it would protect both of us. But it only made things worse. It only kept me from you."

Jingxiang’s chest ached, his heart pounding in his ears as the words sank in. He had feared this truth for so long—the pain of being pushed away, the terror of opening up, of being seen. But now, with Ricky so close, it felt like the walls that had kept them apart were finally crumbling.

"I was scared too," Jingxiang whispered, his voice cracking. "I was scared of what would happen if I let you in. If you really saw me—saw all the things I’m afraid of, I thought you’d leave. I thought you’d see I wasn’t enough."

Ricky’s gaze softened, his hand moving to thread through Jingxiang’s hair, pulling him gently closer. "You’re more than enough, Jingxiang. More than I ever deserved. Don’t you see? I was the one who was afraid. Afraid that if I gave you all of me, you’d walk away."

Jingxiang’s breath caught as Ricky leaned in, his lips brushing against his forehead in a slow, tender kiss. The warmth of Ricky’s touch, the sincerity in his words, made Jingxiang’s heart race with a mixture of longing and gratitude. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to feel everything Ricky had promised.

But there was still a shadow of fear lingering in the back of his mind.

"I want to believe you," Jingxiang admitted softly, his voice barely a whisper. "But I’m scared. Scared of what happens next. Scared that I’ll give myself to you again, and you’ll leave."

Ricky’s hand tightened gently in his hair, his voice low but certain. "I’m not going anywhere, Jingxiang. Not this time. We’ll face it together."

And with that promise, he kissed him again—this time, deeper. Their lips met in a rush, a mingling of desire and need, a promise to never let go.

Jingxiang moaned softly as Ricky’s hands roamed, tracing the curve of his back, pulling him closer. There was no more space between them, no more fear. Just the heat of their bodies, the pounding of their hearts, the understanding that, whatever happened next, they would be together.

But as the kiss deepened, a new fear rose within Jingxiang—a fear of the unknown, of what the future might hold. Would they truly be able to overcome everything? Or was this just another fleeting moment, doomed to fade with the dawn?

The night was thick with unspoken words and raw tension. In the dimly lit room, the weight of their silence hung heavy, as if the very air around them was charged with everything they had ever wanted but never dared to say. Ricky's gaze, intense and full of something deeper, flickered to Jingxiang. He swallowed hard, his voice breaking through the stillness.

"Let me make you feel good, Jingxiang," Ricky whispered, his voice thick with emotion and something primal. "Let me show you how much I love you."

Jingxiang's breath caught in his chest, heart hammering, as his eyes locked on Ricky’s. He was frozen, trapped between the overwhelming pull of desire and the flood of doubt that threatened to undo him.

"Ricky, wait…" he said, the words barely escaping as Ricky’s hands started to explore his body with a tenderness that only made the need burn deeper. He felt the heat of Ricky’s touch sear through his shirt, every inch of skin where they made contact tingling with anticipation.

Ricky stopped instantly, his hands freezing over Jingxiang’s stomach, eyes searching his face for any sign of discomfort. "Do you want me to stop?" His voice was low, strained with desire, but there was an underlying tremor of uncertainty—his vulnerability raw and exposed.

Jingxiang hesitated. His pulse raced, a mix of longing and fear twisting in his gut. He could see the desire in Ricky’s eyes, dark and intense, but he was afraid. Afraid that if he gave in, everything would be ruined. Afraid that, once again, he'd be left behind.

His mind screamed Stop. You’re moving too fast. You can’t do this. But his body betrayed him. The warmth of Ricky's hands on his skin, the tenderness in his gaze—it was too much. He couldn’t resist.

"No…" Jingxiang whispered, his voice shaky but firm. He leaned in closer, heart pounding in his chest. "Don’t stop. I don’t want you to stop."

The words hung between them, a promise and a question all at once. Ricky’s eyes softened, something primal flickering in them as his lips curled into a soft, almost relieved smile. He leaned in, his breath warm against Jingxiang's ear as his hands gently slid down his sides, drawing him closer.

But then, just as the tension between them reached its breaking point, Ricky’s hands paused. His lips brushed against Jingxiang’s jaw, sending a jolt of heat through his veins.

"Are you sure?" Ricky murmured, his voice barely a whisper, thick with need.

Jingxiang closed his eyes for a moment, the world around him fading into a blur. He could feel the weight of the question, the sincerity in Ricky’s voice. His heart was hammering, his entire body trembling with anticipation. But for the first time, there was no fear—only desire, raw and unfiltered.

"I’m sure," Jingxiang breathed out, barely able to form the words through the haze of his emotions. "I want this. I want you."

Ricky’s grip on him tightened, the pressure comforting and grounding. He leaned in, pressing his lips to Jingxiang’s, gentle at first, then deepening with an urgency that matched the fire that had been smoldering between them for so long. Their kiss was desperate, filled with the longing of three years, the years of waiting, of wondering, of keeping their love locked away.

Ricky’s hands moved to the hem of Jingxiang’s shirt, his fingers brushing lightly over the fabric as if asking for permission. "Let me show you," Ricky whispered, his voice barely audible between the kisses. "Let me… show you how much I love you."

Jingxiang’s breath caught in his throat, and for a moment, the words didn't seem to matter. He was falling into it—into Ricky, into the warmth of their shared passion, the weight of all their years apart suddenly melting away.

But as Ricky moved to press against him again, his voice dropped to a husky whisper, his lips brushing against Jingxiang’s ear.

"Don’t stop," Ricky breathed, his voice laced with a mixture of desire and need. "Don’t stop, Jingxiang. I need you."

The words sent a surge of heat through Jingxiang’s body, his pulse racing, and for a moment, everything felt both terrifying and exhilarating. The air between them thickened, and he could feel the tension building again, stronger than before, threatening to pull them both under.

His mind screamed again, but his body, his heart, was already far beyond the point of no return.

As Ricky’s lips hovered just above his, his hands still warm against Jingxiang’s body, a sudden thought pierced through Jingxiang’s haze of desire. What happens if I let go? What happens if I give in completely?

But before he could process his fears, the door creaked open in the distance, the sound sharp in the stillness.

"Jingxiang…?"

Chapter Text

"Ricky... I think I heard someone's footsteps," Jingxiang whispered, his voice barely audible over the hum of the city outside. The room was dim, the faint orange glow of a streetlamp seeping through the blinds and casting fractured shadows across the walls. His wide eyes darted toward the door, the tension in his frame palpable.

The small, cluttered apartment seemed to close in around them. The muffled sounds of late-night traffic and the occasional murmur of a passing stranger outside only heightened his unease. Every creak in the floorboards felt like a warning, every shadow a potential intruder.

Ricky, on the other hand, remained unfazed. He leaned back against the bed, his signature smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "It’s just your imagination, hyung," he said softly, his voice low and steady as if daring the world to interrupt them. "Come on. We don’t have much time."

His hands, warm and steady, slid around Jingxiang’s waist, pulling him closer. The weight of Ricky’s touch was grounding, yet Jingxiang couldn’t shake the feeling of being exposed—a vulnerability that simmered under his skin with fear and exhilaration.

"Wait, Ricky," Jingxiang managed, his breath hitching as he placed a trembling hand on Ricky’s chest. His heart raced beneath his palm, steady and unrelenting, a stark contrast to the chaos swirling inside him. "I… I can’t keep up. You’re too fast."

Ricky chuckled, a deep, throaty sound that sent a shiver down Jingxiang’s spine. His fingers traced slow circles on Jingxiang’s hips, teasing yet reassuring. "Sorry, baby," he murmured, leaning in until their foreheads almost touched. "You make me lose control."

The words hung between them, thick and heavy with unspoken desire. Ricky’s breath was warm against Jingxiang’s skin, his lips so close that Jingxiang swore he could taste the unspoken promises lingering there. His chest tightened, the tension giving way to a quiet yearning he could no longer deny.

Ricky’s lips brushed the corner of Jingxiang’s mouth, a featherlight touch that left him gasping. The sensation was electric, sending heat coursing through his veins. Ricky tilted his head, his lips finding Jingxiang’s jawline. He kissed a slow path down to his neck, nipping at the delicate skin before soothing it with his tongue. Each touch felt deliberate, a silent claim that made Jingxiang’s knees weak.

"Ricky…" Jingxiang’s voice cracked, a mix of need and uncertainty. His hands clutched at Ricky’s shoulders, the thin fabric of his shirt doing little to mask the warmth of his skin. "I need you."

Ricky froze for a heartbeat, his dark eyes meeting Jingxiang’s. There was something unreadable in his gaze, a flicker of vulnerability that disappeared as quickly as it came. He raised a hand, brushing a stray lock of hair from Jingxiang’s face. "You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to hear that," he murmured, his voice soft but laced with an intensity that made Jingxiang’s pulse quicken.

Before Jingxiang could respond, Ricky’s hands moved with purpose, slipping beneath the hem of his shirt. His fingers brushed against bare skin, the touch sending jolts of heat straight to Jingxiang’s core. He tugged the shirt over Jingxiang’s head and let it fall to the floor, forgotten.

The faint glow from the window highlighted every plane of Jingxiang’s chest, every curve and dip of muscle. Ricky’s breath hitched, his expression softening as his gaze roamed over Jingxiang’s exposed skin. "You’re so beautiful," he said, the words barely above a whisper but filled with awe.

Jingxiang flushed under the praise, his cheeks burning as he tried to look away. But Ricky wouldn’t let him. He cupped Jingxiang’s face, tilting it upward until their eyes met. "Don’t hide from me," Ricky said firmly, his thumb brushing against Jingxiang’s cheek. "Not tonight."

The vulnerability in his words was disarming, leaving Jingxiang breathless. He nodded, the knot of tension in his chest unraveling as he leaned into Ricky’s touch. "I’m scared," he admitted, his voice trembling but steady enough to hold weight. "I’ve never… done this before."

Ricky’s expression softened, the teasing edge in his demeanor melting away. "I know," he said gently, pressing a soft kiss to Jingxiang’s forehead. "And that’s okay. We’ll take it slow."

The sincerity in his tone eased the tightness in Jingxiang’s chest. Ricky’s patience, his steady presence, was a lifeline in the chaos of Jingxiang’s emotions. When Ricky leaned in again, Jingxiang met him halfway, their lips colliding in a kiss that was both tender and consuming.

Time seemed to slow as they lost themselves in each other. The world outside faded, leaving only the warmth of Ricky’s hands, the softness of his lips, and the quiet hum of their shared breaths. The shadows on the walls danced with their movements, the room filling with a warmth that had nothing to do with the thermostat.

Ricky’s hands roamed over Jingxiang’s body, exploring every inch with a reverence that made Jingxiang’s heart ache. When Ricky pulled back, his lips swollen and his breathing ragged, he rested his forehead against Jingxiang’s. "Tell me if you want me to stop," he said, his voice steady despite the storm raging behind his eyes.

Jingxiang shook his head, his fingers tightening in Ricky’s hair. "Don’t stop," he whispered, the words carrying a weight of trust that made Ricky’s chest tighten.

"Okay," Ricky said softly, a small smile curving his lips. "Let me take care of you, hyung."

As Ricky’s lips found Jingxiang’s once more, the room seemed to breathe with them, the tension and hesitation giving way to something deeper. It wasn’t just desire that bound them together but a quiet, unspoken promise—a connection that went beyond words and lingered in the spaces between their breaths.

The room was dimly lit, shadows pooling in the corners like a secret shared between lovers. The faint hum of the air conditioner filled the silence, a soft, steady rhythm that mirrored the beating of Jingxiang's heart. He lay on the bed, his body taut with both nervous anticipation and desire, the soft cotton sheets cool against his skin.

"It's okay, hyung. I'll be gentle, I promise," Ricky murmured, his voice a soothing balm against Jingxiang's mounting anxiety. His thumbs brushed away the tears clinging to Jingxiang's lashes, his touch as tender as the words that followed. "We'll go slow, and if you want to stop at any point, just tell me, okay?"

Jingxiang nodded, the trust he held for Ricky reflected in his gaze. The vulnerability in his posture—slight trembles and averted eyes—only made Ricky's determination stronger.

Ricky smiled, a soft curve of his lips that promised care and devotion. He leaned in, pressing a feather-light kiss to Jingxiang's lips. It was sweet and unhurried, a silent assurance that he would take care of him.

"I want to make you feel good, Jingxiang. I want to make you cum undone," Ricky whispered, his breath warm against Jingxiang's mouth.

A shiver ran down Jingxiang's spine, and he nodded, his voice catching in his throat. "I trust you," he murmured, barely audible.

Ricky's hands found their way to Jingxiang's hips, fingers ghosting over the waistband of his boxers. But before he could move further, Jingxiang's hand shot out, stilling him.

"Wait," Jingxiang began, his cheeks flushing a deep crimson. He averted his eyes, struggling to find the words. "I... I don’t know how to say this, but..."

Ricky tilted his head, his gaze curious yet patient. "What is it, hyung? You can tell me anything."

Jingxiang bit his lip, his voice barely above a whisper. "I’ve never done this before. And... I’ve been told I’m... kind of big." The words tumbled out in a rush, leaving Jingxiang blushing furiously. "I’m afraid it might be too much for you."

Ricky’s lips twitched, a slow, teasing smile spreading across his face. "Big, huh?" His voice was low, tinged with amusement. "Don’t worry about me, hyung. I can’t believe you’re challenging me right now. I can handle it."

The confidence in Ricky’s tone made Jingxiang’s stomach flutter, a mix of embarrassment and arousal coursing through him. He glanced up, meeting Ricky’s gaze. "I just... I don’t want to hurt you, or mess this up," he admitted, his voice small and uncertain.

Ricky’s expression softened, and he leaned forward to press a gentle kiss to Jingxiang’s forehead. "You won’t hurt me," he said firmly. "And you could never mess this up. We’ll go slow, okay? This is about us, not some performance."

Jingxiang exhaled shakily, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Okay," he whispered.

Ricky smiled, his eyes filled with a mix of desire and tenderness. He slowly slid Jingxiang’s boxers down, exposing inch by inch of smooth, golden skin. The cool air kissed Jingxiang’s heated flesh, making him shiver.

"You’re beautiful, Jingxiang," Ricky murmured, his voice reverent. His hands roamed over Jingxiang’s thighs, his touch light and exploratory. "Every inch of you."

Jingxiang’s breath hitched as Ricky leaned down, his lips trailing a path of kisses along his inner thigh. The sensation was electric, sending sparks of pleasure racing through him. He tangled his fingers in Ricky’s hair, urging him closer, his nervousness melting away under Ricky’s careful touch.

Ricky took his time, his movements deliberate and measured. He wanted Jingxiang to feel cherished, to know that this moment was about more than just physical connection. It was about trust, about love.

As Ricky’s mouth moved lower, Jingxiang arched beneath him, a soft moan escaping his lips. The sound spurred Ricky on, his hands gripping Jingxiang’s hips to hold him steady. He looked up, their eyes meeting, and the connection between them felt electric, a spark that ignited something deep and unspoken.

"You’re doing so well, Jingxiang," Ricky whispered, his voice a mix of praise and encouragement. "Just let go. I’ve got you."

And as Jingxiang surrendered himself to Ricky’s touch, the world outside the room faded away, leaving only the two of them, bound together by trust and desire.

Ricky’s grin was sharp, his confidence radiating as he took a step closer. His voice was a low, velvet whisper. “Good. Let’s make this night unforgettable.”

Jingxiang’s pulse quickened. The way Ricky’s eyes lingered on him, burning with intensity, made the air between them electric. Ricky leaned in, capturing Jingxiang’s lips in a kiss that was both fierce and tender, pulling him into the kind of moment that demanded surrender. His hands slid deliberately to Jingxiang’s waistband, fingers brushing against bare skin as he eased the fabric down. The cool air against his thighs made Jingxiang shiver, his body tingling with anticipation and vulnerability.

“Relax,” Ricky murmured, his voice smooth and reassuring. His eyes flickered upward, meeting Jingxiang’s gaze with an intimacy that seemed to strip him bare even before his clothes did.

The dim lighting painted Ricky in soft shadows, emphasizing the sharp line of his jaw and the way his lips curled into a teasing smirk. Jingxiang couldn’t look away, mesmerized by the deliberate care in Ricky’s movements. Every touch felt purposeful, a promise of what was to come.

Ricky paused, taking in the sight before him. Jingxiang’s lean, sculpted form was illuminated in the faint glow, his skin glowing faintly, his chest rising and falling in steady rhythm. He was breathtaking.

“You’re beautiful,” Ricky said, his voice barely above a whisper but heavy with sincerity. Jingxiang’s cheeks flushed, a mix of embarrassment and pleasure washing over him.

“Ricky…” Jingxiang’s voice was soft, hesitant, but there was an unmistakable hunger beneath it.

Ricky’s smirk deepened. “I’ve got you, baby. Trust me.”

He lowered himself slowly, pressing kisses along Jingxiang’s thighs, each one more lingering than the last. His hands roamed gently, mapping out the soft contours of Jingxiang’s body as though committing them to memory. The sensation made Jingxiang’s breath hitch, his fingers clutching at the edge of the couch to ground himself.

The room seemed smaller, quieter, as though the rest of the world had been put on mute. All that existed was the two of them and the magnetic pull drawing them closer.

“Ricky… please,” Jingxiang whispered, his voice trembling.

Ricky chuckled softly, the sound reverberating against Jingxiang’s skin. “Patience, Jingxiang. We’ve got all night.”

But even Ricky couldn’t resist the growing heat between them. He pressed his lips to Jingxiang’s length, letting his tongue trace a deliberate path. Jingxiang gasped, his head falling back as a rush of pleasure coursed through him. His hands found their way to Ricky’s hair, tangling in the soft strands as he surrendered to the sensation.

The intimacy was overwhelming. The faint hum of the city outside faded completely as Ricky’s focus remained undivided. He was meticulous in his touch, alternating between soft kisses and firmer caresses. Each motion drew quiet gasps and shudders from Jingxiang, whose body trembled under Ricky’s attention.

“Ricky,” Jingxiang groaned, his voice strained. “I… I’m close.”

Ricky’s gaze flickered upward, catching Jingxiang’s eyes. The look they shared was electric, a silent conversation brimming with trust and desire. Ricky didn’t falter, his movements growing more deliberate, his hands gripping Jingxiang’s thighs as though anchoring himself.

Jingxiang's head fell back, a moan escaping his lips as he tangled his fingers in Ricky's hair. Ricky's mouth enveloped the head of his cock, swirling his tongue around the sensitive skin. He pulled back, blowing cool air onto the wet flesh before diving back down. He repeated the motion, slowly working his way down the shaft until he reached the base. He looked up, his eyes meeting Jingxiang's before he took one of his balls into his mouth. He sucked and licked, then repeated the action with the other ball.

Jingxiang's ten-inch cock was standing proudly and glistening with saliva. He felt every nerve buzzing with pleasure. He couldn't believe how good it felt to have Ricky's mouth on him, to feel the wet heat and the scrape of his teeth.

"Fuck, Ricky! That's so fucking good," he groaned, his hips thrusting gently, fucking Ricky's mouth.

Jingxiang’s body tensed, his breath hitching as he reached the peak. A broken cry escaped his lips as he lost himself in the wave of pleasure, his grip tightening in Ricky’s hair. Ricky held firm, swallowing every bit of Jingxiang’s release, his throat working to keep up with the intensity of it.

"Fuck, Ricky, I'm going to cum," he panted, his fingers tightening in Ricky's hair. He thought Ricky could handle it, but the loud noise and ecstasy of friction and warmth led him to not notice Ricky's current situation.

"Fuuuuck!" Jingxiang shouted, his back arching off the couch, as wave after wave of pleasure washed over him. He could feel his body trembling, his heart pounding in his chest, as he rode out the most intense orgasm he'd ever had.

Ricky held on, taking every drop of Jingxiang's cum, his throat working as he swallowed the fresh oozing cum. He tried to pull back slowly, but Jingxiang's load felt so overwhelming that it would not stop. He had to focus to keep his gag reflex in check, to keep from choking. It was too much, and he was almost drowning in it. Still, at the same time, he never felt more alive, more turned on.

When it was over, Jingxiang’s chest heaved as he tried to steady his breathing. Guilt flickered across his face as he noticed the redness in Ricky’s eyes, the slight hitch in his breath. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice barely audible.

Ricky nodded, a reassuring smile tugging at his lips even as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “I’m fine,” he said, his voice hoarse but steady. He leaned back slightly, only to feel a sudden warmth splash across his cheek.

Both men froze.

“Oh my God,” Jingxiang stammered, his hands flying to his face. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to—”

“Stop,” Ricky interrupted, his tone gentle but firm. He reached up, wiping his cheek with a small laugh. “It’s fine. More than fine. Actually…” He leaned closer, his grin wicked. “It’s kind of hot. You look so fucking sexy like this, all flushed and breathless. And seeing your cum on my face? Fuck, it makes me so hard with the musky smell."

Jingxiang’s eyes widened, his cheeks flushing an even deeper shade of red. “You’re unbelievable.”

“And you’re adorable when you’re flustered,” Ricky teased, pressing a kiss to Jingxiang’s jaw. But when he pulled back, he noticed the glisten of tears in Jingxiang’s eyes.

“Hey,” Ricky said softly, cupping Jingxiang’s face in his hands. “What’s wrong?”

Jingxiang’s voice broke as he spoke. “I… I didn’t mean to hurt you. I… I lost control.” A tear slipped down his cheek, and Ricky’s thumb was quick to wipe it away.

“Shh,” Ricky murmured, his voice warm and steady. “You didn’t hurt me, Jingxiang. I wanted this. Every second of it.” He leaned forward, pressing their foreheads together. “Don’t you dare feel guilty for letting go. I’m here for all of it.”

Jingxiang let out a shaky breath, his hands clutching Ricky’s shirt as though anchoring himself. “You’re too good to me,” he whispered.

Ricky chuckled, the sound low and comforting. “Damn right I am.” He kissed Jingxiang again, slow and deliberate, as if sealing his promise.

The city outside carried on, oblivious to the quiet storm of emotions unfolding in the hidden building. For Ricky and Jingxiang, the world had narrowed to just the two of them, bound by trust, vulnerability, and a night neither would ever forget.

Ricky looked up at him, his eyes filled with unshed tears of their own. "Shh, it's okay, Jingxiang. It's okay," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. He reached up and wiped the tears from Jingxiang's cheeks, his thumbs brushing gently over the skin. "I told you. I can handle it. I want this, Jingxiang. I want to taste you, to feel you inside me. I want you to fuck me until we both can't think straight."

Ricky's voice was thick with need, his cock aching and throbbing in his boxers. He reached down and cupped himself, his fingers brushing against the damp material. He groaned at the sensation, his hips bucking upwards.

"You want me to fuck you?" Jingxiang's voice was hoarse with desire, his eyes darkening with intent. He reached out and grabbed Ricky's hip, his fingers digging into the firm muscle. Jingxiang repeated, his voice a low growl. He saw the desire in Ricky's eyes, the way his body arched up off the bed, and he knew the answer. But he wanted to hear him say it. He wanted him to beg for it.

Ricky nodded, his breath coming in short, sharp gasps. "Yes, hyung. I want you to fuck me. I want to feel you inside me. I want you to fill me up, to make me scream your name."

Jingxiang groaned, his cock throbbing at the image Ricky's words conjured up.

"I feel like it might be too much for today. Also, I don't know if it can fit inside you," Jingxiang said, his voice filled with both longing and hesitation.

Ricky chuckled, low and deep, and reached out to cup Jingxiang's face. I've done this before. I know what I'm doing. And I promise, we'll take it slow. We'll stop if it's too much. But I really want this, Jingxiang. I want you inside me."

Jingxiang took a deep breath and nodded, trusting Ricky implicitly. Ricky grinned and leaned in to kiss him softly.

"It's my first time. I don't know if I'm able to control myself," Jingxiang admitted, his voice filled with a mix of arousal and anxiety. Ricky smiled reassuringly, his thumbs brushing away the remains of Jingxiang's tears. "It's okay, baby. We'll go at your pace. Just promise me you'll be gentle."

Jingxiang nodded, his eyes locked onto Ricky's. "I promise. I don't want to hurt you."

Ricky's fingers traced down Jingxiang's chest, his cock throbbing at the thought of what was to come.

"Alright, baby. Follow my lead," Ricky grabbed Jingxiang's index and middle finger to his mouth.

He sucked them in, coating them with his saliva, "I want you to touch me there, Jingxiang."

He guided Jingxiang's fingers down to his mouth, letting Jingxiang feel the wetness on his fingers. Ricky undid his own boxers, letting them drop to the floor. The cool air hit his cock, making it throb with anticipation. He lifted his hips, giving Jingxiang room to move his fingers down his stomach, to the base of his cock, and then lower, to the puckered entrance to his body.

Jingxiang's breath hitched as he finally understood where Ricky wanted him to touch. He hesitated for a moment, his fingers trembling slightly, before he gathered the courage to press against the tight ring of muscle.

"Relax, Jingxiang," Ricky murmured, his eyes closed, his head fallen back against the cushions.

"It's okay, just go slow."

Jingxiang took a deep breath and pushed one finger inside, feeling the tight heat envelop him. He felt Ricky's body tense around him, and he paused, giving him time to adjust.

Ricky let out a low moan, his hips pushing back slightly, encouraging Jingxiang to go deeper. Jingxiang obliged, sliding his finger in further, his eyes locked onto Ricky's face, watching his every reaction. Ricky groaned, his hips moving in rhythm with Jingxiang's finger.

"Fuck, Jingxiang, that feels so good," Ricky panted, his eyes closed, his head thrown back against the cushions.

Jingxiang's cock throbbed at the sight and sound of Ricky's pleasure.

His finger slid in and out, slowly stretching Ricky open, the tight heat sending jolts of electricity straight to his cock. He added a second finger, and Ricky moaned louder, his hips moving in time with Jingxiang's thrusts.

"That's it, Jingxiang. Oh, fuck, that feels so good," Ricky groaned, his fingernails digging into Jingxiang's shoulders. "You're so fucking big, I can't wait to feel you inside me."

Jingxiang's breath hitched at the filthy words, his cock pulsing with need. He added a third finger, watching as Ricky's body accepted them, his muscles clenching and relaxing around the intrusion.

"You like that, don't you? You like feeling me inside you," Jingxiang growled, his voice thick with desire.

Ricky's eyes fluttered open, his gaze locked onto Jingxiang's. "Fuck yes, I do. I want more, Jingxiang. I want your cock inside me. I want you to fuck me until I can't think straight."

Jingxiang's breath hitched, his own cock throbbing at the thought.

He added a fourth finger, feeling Ricky's body stretch to accommodate him. Ricky moaned, his hips bucking against Jingxiang's hand, urging him to go deeper.

"Fuck, Ricky, you feel so good," Jingxiang groaned, his fingers curling inside Ricky, seeking out the spot that would send him over the edge. Ricky's body clenched around him, his back arching off the couch as he chased the pleasure.

"Right there, Jingxiang. Oh, fuck…. right there," Ricky panted, his nails digging into Jingxiang's shoulders.

"Don't stop, Jingxiang. Don't you fucking dare stop."

Jingxiang's fingers curled and pressed against that spot, feeling Ricky's body clench and tighten around him. He could feel the pre-cum leaking from his cock, the musky scent of it filling the room. He wanted to be inside Ricky, to feel that heat, that tightness, all around his cock.

" Ricky-ah~~ I don't know if you're ready, it's still so tight, but I want to be inside you right now," Jingxiang growled, his voice thick with need.  He was shaking with anticipation, his cock throbbing with pre-cum, aching to sink into Ricky.

"I'm ready, Jingxiang. I've wanted this for so long," Ricky panted, his body writhing beneath Jingxiang's touch. "Just go slow, okay? Let me get used to it."

Jingxiang nodded, his cock twitching with anticipation. He spat on his hand and slicked it over his aching ten-inch cock, making sure to coat it well. He positioned himself at Ricky's entrance, his heart pounding in his chest.  He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, to make sure he didn't rush this. He wanted to savor every moment, to make this last.

He rubbed the head of his cock against Ricky's entrance, coating it with his precum. Ricky groaned, his hips bucking upwards, trying to take more of Jingxiang inside him.

"Fuck, Jingxiang, don't tease me," Ricky begged, his voice ragged with need. "I want you inside me now," Ricky demanded, his voice a low growl laced with desire and urgency. He lifted his hips, pressing his body against Jingxiang's, trying to force him in.

Jingxiang took a deep breath and pushed the head of his cock against Ricky's entrance. He felt the tight ring of muscle resist for a moment before it gave way, allowing him to slide in just an inch.

"Fuck, you're so fucking tight," Jingxiang groaned, his voice barely above a whisper. He looked down, watching as his cock disappeared into Ricky's body. He could see the head of his cock stretching Ricky open, the tight heat enveloping him. He took a deep breath, trying to control himself, to not rush this. But the sight and feel of Ricky, so tight and hot around him, was almost too much to bear.

"Fuck, Ricky, you're so goddamn tight," Jingxiang groaned, his hands gripping Ricky's hips tighter. He pulled back slightly, only to push back in, going a little deeper each time.

Ricky's body adjusted to the invasion, his muscles clenching and relaxing around Jingxiang's cock. The tight heat was nearly overwhelming, and Jingxiang had to focus to keep from thrusting in too deep, too fast. He wanted this to last, wanted to savor every second of being inside Ricky.

"Shit, Ricky, you feel so fucking good," Jingxiang groaned, his hips moving in a slow, steady rhythm. He could feel every inch of Ricky's body, the tight grip of his muscles, the heat that surrounded him like a velvet glove.

"Hyung, is it all in yet?" Ricky asked, his voice thick with desire and a hint of discomfort. Jingxiang looked down and saw that only about quarter of his cock was inside Ricky's body. He smiled and shook his head, his fingers tightening on Ricky's hips.

"Not even close, baby. But don't worry, we'll get there," Jingxiang reassured him, his voice dark with lust. He pulled back slowly, only to push back in, going deeper this time. Ricky's body tensed around him, his fingers digging into Jingxiang's shoulders as he adjusted to the intrusion.

"I can't take it anymore. Hyung, fuck me harder. Please thrust deeper right now. It's taking too long," Ricky cried and elicited a moan from Jingxiang.  Jingxiang ‘s cock was now rock hard and ready to burst, the bulging swollen vein throbbing with arousal as he looked down at Ricky's body.

Ricky was writhing beneath him, his head thrown back, his eyes closed, and his lips parted in a silent plea. The sight of Ricky like this, completely at his mercy, was enough to push Jingxiang over the edge. He gripped Ricky's hips tighter, his fingers digging into the firm muscle, and thrust harder, burying himself deeper inside Ricky.

Ricky's body tensed around him, his hips lifting to meet Jingxiang's thrusts.

"Fuck, yes!" Ricky cried out, his body arching off the couch as Jingxiang's cock hit that spot inside him that sent shockwaves of pleasure rippling through him. "More, Jingxiang. Give me more."

Jingxiang's breath hitched, his body on fire with desire. He had never felt anything like this before, had never been this intimate with someone. He wanted to make Ricky feel good, wanted to make him scream his name. Ricky's body gagged from the intense friction and pressure due to Jingxiang's girth and size.

Despite being on the edge, Jingxiang pulled back slightly, only to thrust in deeper and harder, the muscles of Ricky's ass clamping down on him like a velvet vice.

"Shit, Ricky, you feel so fucking amazing," Jingxiang groaned, his voice thick with desire.

"Your ass is so goddamn tight. I can't get enough."

Ricky moaned in response, his body squirming beneath Jingxiang, trying to take more of his cock inside.

"Fuck me harder, Jingxiang.

Come on, you know you want to," Ricky taunted, his voice a ragged growl. His hips rose to meet every thrust, his body begging for more. Jingxiang felt a primal possessiveness surge through him, a need to claim Ricky, to mark him as his.

He pulled back until only the head of his cock remained inside Ricky, then slammed back in, burying himself to the hilt. Ricky cried out, his body convulsing around Jingxiang's cock.

"Fuck, yes! Harder, Jingxiang. Fuck me like you mean it."

Jingxiang let out a low growl and complied, his hips snapping forward, sliding his cock deeper into Ricky's tight ass. He set a punishing rhythm, his cock slamming in and out of Ricky's body with force and precision. He could feel every inch of Ricky, the tight grip of his muscles, the heat that surrounded him like a fucking furnace.

"You feel so fucking good, Ricky," Jingxiang panted, his voice thick with lust and need. "I could see the bulge of my cock in your stomach right now," Jingxiang smirked and pressed the bulge in Ricky's stomach which made him squirm.  

"Fuck, please go deeper," Ricky begged, his hips bucking against Jingxiang's thrusts. He could feel every inch of Jingxiang's cock.Jingxiang grunted, his hips slamming against Ricky's ass with brutal force.

“You like feeling my monster cock stretch your tight little hole?"

"Yes, fuck yes," Ricky screamed, his nails digging into Jingxiang's shoulders.

"Give it to me, Jingxiang. Fuck me harder."

"Finally, fucking hell. I'm all in" Jingxiang groaned as his hips pressed flush against Ricky's ass. Ricky let out a sigh of relief, his body finally accommodating all of Jingxiang's length.

He could feel every inch of Jingxiang's cock deep inside him, his body stretched and filled in a way that was both painful and pleasurable.

"Fuck, Jingxiang. You feel so fucking huge inside me," Ricky moaned, his fingernails digging into Jingxiang's shoulders.

"I can feel every inch of you, Jingxiang. You're stretching me so wide, it's almost too much."

Jingxiang groaned, the sound deep and primal.

"You can take it, Ricky. You can take all of me. I want to feel your body milk my cock, squeeze me dry." He began to move, his hips pulling back and then slamming forward, burying himself to the hilt inside Ricky. Ricky gasped, his body tensing around Jingxiang's cock.

"Fuuuck, Jingxiang, that's too much. Slow down, please," he begged, his voice ragged with pain and pleasure. Ricky tapped Jingxiang and whispered to him "Hyung, let's check that mirror out so I can see you fucking me deeply. Still, stay with me"

Jingxiang nodded, understanding Ricky's needs. He pulled up a chair and sat on the mirror. The window was open and the moonlight was reflecting their bodies.  Jingxiang ‘s naked body glistened with sweat, his muscles taut and visible.

"I can't believe hyung that I get to experience this all myself," Ricky said with his arms wrapped around Jingxiang's neck, pulling him closer to kiss him deeply.

Jingxiang chuckled, his cock throbbing with need inside Ricky.

"Well, I'm glad you're enjoying it," he said, his voice low and husky. He leaned in and captured Ricky's mouth in a fierce kiss, his tongue plunging inside, exploring every inch of Ricky's mouth. Ricky moaned into the kiss, his hips moving in time with Jingxiang's thrusts, taking him deeper.

Jingxiang pulled back suddenly, breaking the kiss. He straddled Ricky on top of him naked and he could feel the heat radiate from Ricky’s body. He looked down and saw the way

Ricky’s hard cock stood straight up, glistening with precum, ready for attention. He smirked and reached down, wrapping his hand around Ricky’s cock. It fit perfectly in his grasp, and he began to stroke it, slowly at first, but increasing in speed as Ricky moaned and writhed beneath him.

"Fuck, Jingxiang, that feels so good," Ricky groaned, his hips bucking up to meet Jingxiang's hand. "Don't stop. Please don't stop….ahh~~" Ricky begged, his breath coming in short gasps.

"I need more. I need you to make me cum."

Jingxiang grinned down at him, his eyes filled with dark desire. "You want me to make you cum, Ricky? You want me to make you scream my name?"

Ricky nodded, his body writhing beneath Jingxiang. "Yes, please. Make me come, Jingxiang."

Jingxiang stroked Ricky's cock harder, his grip tightening as he moved his hand faster, but this time he guided his cock in Ricky's puckered hole. He was left with no choice but in Jingxiang's control.

Jingxiang lifted both Ricky's knees and spread his legs apart, with his knees touching his chest. He pushed in deeper, making Ricky moan in pain as the cock was even deeper inside him. Jingxiang loved the sound of his moans, as he was finally able to thrust deeply in and out.

He felt the pulsating of his cock deep inside Ricky's walls, he felt the pleasure running through his body, the adrenaline rush and the excitement. He could see the gleam in Ricky's eyes, the way he bit his lower lip, the moans and gasps that escaped him. He knew Ricky was close, he could see it in his face, in his body language. Jingxiang's hips moved faster, thrusting deeper, harder, hitting that spot inside Ricky that made him scream.

"Fuck, Jingxiang, I'm scared I could see your cock going in and out of my stomach," Ricky begged, his body tensing, his muscles clenching around Jingxiang's cock.  "It's too fucking much, I can't take anymore."

Jingxiang groaned, his hips still moving, his cock still buried deep inside Ricky. But he slowed his pace, his body shaking with the effort to hold back. He leaned down, his lips brushing against Ricky's ear.

He bit Ricky's ears while Ricky tried to bounce on his dick.  Jingxiang’s breathing get heavier, faster, and he could feel his climax building up. He grunted, feeling his balls tightening, his body tensing as he grabbed Ricky's hips tighter, his fingers digging into the soft flesh.

"Fuck, Ricky, I'm so close," Jingxiang panted, his hips slamming against Ricky's ass with brutal force. He lifted Ricky from the chair and stood up while putting his feet on his shoulders.  He focused on sliding his cock in and out Ricky vigorously and it was easier to put his whole length now that he was standing.

He loved the visual of Ricky’s legs pressed against his shoulders, the way his back arched and how his stomach flexed with each thrust. Ricky’s cock was still throbbing and leaking pre-cum, begging for attention. He reached for it again, stroking it hard and fast. Ricky’s moans filled the room, a symphony of pleasure and pain, as Jingxiang's cock pounded into him.

"Ricky-ah ~~ I'm going to cum so hard. I feel it coming"  Jingxiang groaned, his hips slamming against Ricky's ass with brutal force. He could feel it building, the pressure in his balls, the tightening of his muscles, the tingling sensation that started at the base of his spine and radiated outwards. He gripped Ricky's hips tighter, his fingers digging into the soft flesh, his body shaking with the effort to hold back.

Ricky could feel it too, the way Jingxiang's cock swelled inside him, the way his thrusts became harder, more urgent. He could feel his own orgasm building, the pleasure coiling in his stomach, ready to explode.

He felt Jingxiang's cock throbbing inside him, the sensation overwhelming. He couldn't hold back any longer.

"Fuck, Jingxiang, I'm gonna come," he gasped, his body tensing, his muscles clenching around Jingxiang's cock. "Fuck, I'm gonna cum all over your fucking cock, Jingxiang."

Jingxiang groaned, his hips slamming against Ricky's ass with brutal force. "Fuck, Ricky, I'm gonna cum too. I can't hold back anymore," Jingxiang groaned, his body shaking with the effort to contain his orgasm. He felt the pressure building, the pleasure coiling in his stomach, ready to explode.

His cock throbbed inside Ricky and the sensation was overwhelming.

“Cum with me," Ricky begged, his body tensing, his muscles clenching around Jingxiang's cock. "Fill me up, Jingxiang. I want to feel your cum inside me."

Jingxiang let out a primal roar, his hips snapping forward, burying his cock deep inside Ricky. He felt the heat and tightness of Ricky's body clenching around him, milking his cock for every last drop. The sensation was overwhelming, and he couldn't hold back any longer. His cock throbbed, and he felt the first pulse of his orgasm.

"Fuck, I'm cummmiiinnngg!" Jingxiang roared, his body shaking as he unleashed his release. He felt the hot spurts of his cum filling Ricky, the sensation so intense that it was almost painful. He gripped Ricky's hips tighter, riding out the waves of pleasure that crashed over him.

Ricky's body clenched around him, milking his cock for every last drop. Jingxiang could feel the heat of Ricky's release, the sticky warmth coating his cock as he slid in and out of him.

"Fuck, Ricky, I might get you pregnant with the amount of cum I released into you," Jingxiang panted, his hips still moving, his cock still buried deep inside Ricky.

Ricky let out a breathless laugh, his body shaking with the aftershocks of his orgasm. "I doubt it, Jingxiang. But I sure as hell loved feeling you come inside me." He looked up at Jingxiang, his eyes filled with desire and satisfaction. "I want more, Jingxiang. I want to taste you, to feel you in my mouth."

Jingxiang's breath hitched, his cock throbbing at the thought. He pulled out of Ricky's body slowly, his cock glistening with their combined releases.

"On your knees, Ricky," he growled, his voice thick with desire. Ricky obeyed immediately, kneeling on the floor in front of Jingxiang, his body still trembling from the aftershocks of his orgasm. Jingxiang reached down and grabbed a handful of Ricky's hair, tilting his head back.

"Open your mouth, Ricky. I want you to taste yourself on my cock," he said, his voice low and commanding. Ricky opened his mouth obediently, his tongue protruding slightly, eager to taste Jingxiang. Jingxiang groaned, his cock twitching at the sight. He stroked himself slowly, his eyes locked onto Ricky's mouth.

“You look so goddamn sexy like this. On your knees, ready to take my cock in that pretty little mouth of yours." Ricky moaned softly, his eyes half-closed, his lips parted in anticipation. Jingxiang's voice was like a drug, driving him wild with desire.

Ricky felt a fresh wave of arousal as he obeyed, his tongue darting out to wet his lips. He wanted to taste Jingxiang, to feel the weight of his cock on his tongue. He wanted to make him come, to swallow every drop of his release.

Jingxiang guided his cock to Ricky's mouth, the head already slick with their combined releases. He rubbed the tip against Ricky's lips, coating them with the evidence of their pleasure. Ricky opened his mouth wider, his tongue licking at Jingxiang's cock, tasting their combined flavors. He released a large load of cum with musky scent all over Ricky's face.

 The cum dripped down Ricky’s chin and onto his neck, making a mess of his face.

Jingxiang's eyes were glued to Ricky's mouth as he fucking his face. Jingxiang felt like he was going to cum again as Ricky took all of him in his mouth. Jingxiang reached down and grabbed Ricky’s hair, holding his head in place as he fucked his mouth.

"Take it all, Ricky. Take all my fucking cum." Jingxiang growled as he felt himself about to release another burst of cum. Both of his holes were now filled by Jingxiang's cum.

Ricky felt a wave of pleasure wash over him as he swallowed. He loved the taste of Jingxiang's cum, loved feeling it slide down his throat. This physical closure was what he wanted for all these three years. He was glad that he could make up the missing time he had with Jingxiang.

"I'm so sorry hyung, was it too much?" Jingxiang immediately hugged Ricky and patted his head gently.  His voice was soft and filled with concern. "Don't be sorry. I wanted it as much as you did. I'm just worried that I might have been too rough."

Ricky looked up at Jingxiang, his eyes filled with tears. "No, it was perfect. Everything was perfect. I just let my emotions get the best of me. I haven't felt this happy in years, Jingxiang. You have no idea how much I've missed you."

Jingxiang smiled, his eyes softening as he stroked Ricky's hair. "I know, hyung. I've missed you too. So much. Too much time has passed," Ricky whispered, his voice thick with unshed tears. "I didn't want this to happen the way it did, but I can't deny that I'm glad it did. I needed you, Jingxiang. I needed you in my life, in my bed, in my heart."

Jingxiang's eyes softened, and he cupped Ricky's face, his thumbs brushing away the remaining tears. "I'm here now, Ricky. I'm not going anywhere. I promise," Jingxiang said, his voice filled with emotion. "We'll figure this out together, alright? No matter what happens on the show, we'll find a way to be together."

Ricky nodded, his eyes filled with gratitude and longing. "Together," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Jingxiang pulled Ricky to his feet, wrapping his arms around him in a tight embrace. He could feel Ricky's body trembling against his, could feel the heat of his skin, the rapid beat of his heart. He held him close, brushing soft kisses against his hair, his neck, his shoulders.

He could feel Ricky's body relax in his arms, the tension slowly ebbing away.

"Let's get cleaned up," Jingxiang suggested, his voice gentle. He leaned back and looked into Ricky's eyes, a small smile playing on his lips. "I'll run us a bath, alright?"

Ricky nodded, a soft laugh escaping his lips. "You're just trying to avoid dealing with the mess you made, aren't you?"

Jingxiang chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. "Is that a problem?"

Ricky shook his head, a smile spreading across his face.

"Not at all. In fact, I kind of like seeing the evidence of what we just did all over my face." He looked down at the cum dripping down his chin and onto his chest, then back up at Jingxiang. "It makes me feel...claimed. Like you marked me as yours."

Jingxiang's eyes darkened at Ricky's words, his grip on Ricky's waist tightening. "You're mine, Ricky. All mine. And I plan on marking every inch of your body as mine." He leaned in, capturing Ricky's mouth in a fierce, possessive kiss.

Ricky's breath hitched, his body melting into Jingxiang's embrace. "I want that, Jingxiang. I want to be yours completely."

Jingxiang pulled back, his eyes boring into Ricky's. "And I want to be yours, Ricky. I want to give you everything you need, everything you desire. I want to make you happy."

Ricky's heart swelled with emotion, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. "You already do, Jingxiang."

The air was thick with the lingering heat of their shared intimacy, a haze of sweat, scent, and emotions that filled the space between them. Jingxiang’s breath came in shallow bursts, his hand still pressed against Ricky’s chest, feeling the rapid pulse of his heart. Every beat seemed to echo in the silence, reminding him that they were finally here—after all the years of longing, guilt, and missed moments.

"Take it all, Ricky," Jingxiang growled, his voice hoarse and low, trembling with the force of his emotions. His hand gripped Ricky's jaw, tilting his head back as their eyes met, raw and vulnerable. "Take all of me."

Ricky's body responded instantly, a shiver running down his spine as he swallowed, savoring the taste of Jingxiang's cum. The sensation was overwhelming—not just the physical, but the emotional weight of finally feeling whole again, after three long years of heartache and separation. There was no shame in it, no hesitation; there was only the sweet, undeniable truth of their connection, of the space between them being bridged at last.

He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the flood of warmth sink into him. The taste lingered on his tongue, a reminder of everything they’d both been through. "I needed this," he whispered, his voice barely audible, as if confessing a secret to the man who held his heart. "I needed you."

Ricky shook his head, the movement slow but sure. He placed a trembling hand over Jingxiang's, bringing it to his lips for a fleeting kiss. His eyes glistened with unshed tears, but there was a smile playing at the corners of his mouth, soft and genuine. "Jingxiang hyung. It was perfect. Everything was perfect," he whispered, the words coming from a place of deep, unspoken longing. "I've never felt this whole... this... happy in years."

A flicker of regret flashed across Jingxiang’s face, as if the weight of their past had caught up with him in that moment. He closed the distance between them, wrapping Ricky in his arms and holding him as though letting go would shatter the fragile peace they’d found. "I missed you too, hyung. Too much time has passed." His voice trembled with the rawness of his confession, a tremor that ran deep—one that no words could truly explain.

Ricky’s chest tightened, the surge of emotions swelling in him once more. His voice cracked as he whispered, "I didn’t want to lose you, Jingxiang. But I was... lost without you. I needed you. All of you... your love, your touch, your presence."

The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, as if the confession itself had created a bond stronger than anything else they had shared before. Jingxiang’s heart ached at the rawness of Ricky's vulnerability, and he held him tighter, his hands gentle but firm, as if never wanting to let go.

"I'm here now, Ricky," he whispered fiercely, cupping Ricky's face, his thumbs brushing away the fresh tears that had begun to fall. "I'm not going anywhere. I promise you that. We’ll figure this out together."

Ricky’s heart swelled at the promise, at the sincerity in Jingxiang's eyes. "Together," he echoed, the word a balm for all the years of loneliness that had stretched between them. He pressed his forehead to Jingxiang’s, closing his eyes as he let the warmth of their shared breath fill him. It was a silent vow, an understanding between them that no matter the obstacles, no matter the years lost, they were finally here.

Jingxiang pulled back, his gaze searching Ricky’s, full of unspoken emotions. "Let’s get cleaned up," he suggested, his voice soft but carrying a playful edge. "I’ll run us a bath. Just let me take care of you."

Ricky smiled softly, the tension in his body starting to melt away as the warmth of Jingxiang's affection seeped into him. "You're just trying to avoid the mess you made, aren’t you?" His tone was teasing, but his eyes sparkled with affection, still damp from the release of emotions.

Jingxiang’s grin widened, a flicker of mischief crossing his features. "Is that such a bad thing?" His fingers gently traced the line of Ricky’s jaw, the touch both soothing and possessive.

Ricky laughed, the sound light and free. "Not at all," he replied, his eyes dropping to the evidence of their passion still dripping down his chest. His voice dropped to a whisper, a confession wrapped in desire. "In fact... I kind of like it. It makes me feel..." He hesitated, the words hanging on the edge of his lips, before he continued, "claimed. Like you marked me as yours."

The air between them shifted, and Jingxiang’s grip on Ricky’s waist tightened in response. His breath hitched, his eyes darkening with an intensity that sent a shiver down Ricky’s spine. "You are mine, Ricky," he growled, his voice low and possessive. "And I plan on marking every inch of you, so there’s no doubt about it."

Ricky’s heart pounded, his breath catching as the raw promise in Jingxiang’s words sent a surge of heat through him. "I want that, Jingxiang," he whispered, his voice trembling with need. "I want to be yours—completely."

Jingxiang’s lips brushed against Ricky’s in a slow, lingering kiss, each touch deliberate and filled with passion. "And I want to be yours, Ricky," he murmured between kisses. "I want to give you everything you need, everything you desire. I want to make you happy. Always."

Ricky’s breath caught, a wave of emotion sweeping over him. Tears sprang to his eyes once more, but these were different. It was tears of joy, of relief, of finally being seen. "You already do," he whispered, his chest tight with the weight of everything they had both endured.

But as they stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, a shadow of doubt lingered in the back of Ricky’s mind. A nagging, insistent thought that he couldn’t quite shake. They had come this far, but what awaited them outside this room? Could they truly overcome the obstacles that still lay ahead, or was this moment just a fleeting dream?

Before he could voice his concerns, Ricky's phone buzzed sharply on the nightstand. It was an alert about the next filming schedule.

The tension in the room shifted instantly.

Ricky pulled away slightly, his gaze flicking toward the phone. Jingxiang’s face hardened, the flicker of uncertainty crossing his features before he masked it with a forced smile.

"We’ll handle it," Jingxiang said, though his voice lacked conviction. "Don’t worry."

But Ricky wasn’t so sure.

Chapter Text

It had been nearly three years since Boys Planet Season 2 ended—three long years of grueling rehearsals, dorm routines, and the constant scrutiny of debut life.

Now, their group CLOSER had finally found its footing, riding the momentum of their first mini album and a growing fanbase. The public had embraced their chemistry, but few knew how real some of that closeness was.

This week, for the first time since debuting, the company gave them a break. Five full days, no cameras, no schedules. Just silence and space. So Jingxiang had asked, half shy, half hopeful:

“Would you… maybe want to come with me to Shanghai?”

And Sungmin had agreed without missing a beat.

They flew out the next morning, landing just before dusk. Now they were here in Jingxiang’s hometown, where everything looked touched by memory.

Shanghai breathed differently when you knew the streets by heart.

The city sparkled under the brush of early evening, drenched in golden-orange light that danced over skyscrapers and spilled into alleyways. Jingxiang had grown up here but seeing it now with Sungmin beside him made everything feel brand new.

They were strolling down Nanjing Road, the city’s most iconic strip, buzzing with the scent of roasted chestnuts and fried dough. Lanterns blinked lazily overhead. Food vendors shouted in familiar dialects, their carts steaming with skewers and buns.

Jingxiang’s hand slipped easily into Sungmin’s, and for once, neither of them worried who might see.

“It’s strange,” Jingxiang murmured, glancing sideways. “I used to walk this street alone almost every weekend. I’d grab a bubble tea and people-watch, thinking I’d never leave. And now... now I’m back with you.”

Sungmin squeezed his hand in reply, his voice low. “Thanks for bringing me here.”

Jingxiang looked at him for a beat too long. The boy he had fallen for was real and walking beside him, soaking up the city he used to dream of escaping.

They’d just eaten—something spicy on a stick, something crispy in a paper cup, something sweet that made Sungmin's lips glossy. And Jingxiang couldn’t stop staring.

“You know,” he said, voice lighter now, teasing, “I never get tired of watching you eat.”

Sungmin turned to him, brows raised in playful disbelief. “Hyung. That’s a weird thing to say.”

Jingxiang shrugged, unbothered. “Maybe. But it’s true. You eat like it’s a ritual. Like every bite means something.”

Sungmin’s smile shifted into something softer. “Maybe I just eat more freely when I’m with you.”

Jingxiang's chest tightened. That kind of honesty…quiet, offhand, pure was the kind that wrecked him.

“I love you,” he said quietly, the words slipping out like a promise that had been living under his tongue all day. “More than I ever expected to.”

Their fingers brushed again. Pinkies hooked. A tiny motion that grounded them more than any kiss ever could.

“I’m glad you’re here,” Jingxiang said, looking up at the burnt-orange sky. “I don’t want to imagine this break without you in it.”

Sungmin nudged his shoulder gently. “You won’t have to. You’ve got me, Xiang.”

The rooftop they found that night was tucked above a boutique hotel, with soft jazz filtering through hidden speakers and fairy lights strung across the ceiling beams like stardust. The city unfolded beneath them in all directions that are endless, glowing, alive.

They sat close on a small bench at the edge of the terrace, knees brushing. Jingxiang could hear Sungmin’s breathing over the music. It calmed him more than the skyline ever could.

“You know,” Sungmin murmured, not looking directly at him, “I used to think I wasn’t allowed to have this.”

Jingxiang turned. “Have what?”

“This. You.” Sungmin’s fingers tightened slightly where their hands rested. “Not just the love part. The... comfort part.”

Jingxiang said nothing. Just leaned their heads together until the silence spoke for them.

▹▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹

Later, the hotel suite glowed with low light and nervous heat.

Jingxiang sat on the edge of the bed, still in his shirt, when Sungmin came closer. His movements weren’t rushed—but they weren’t hesitant either.

He crawled onto Jingxiang’s lap with a kind of quiet confidence that had grown over their months together. Hands slipping under fabric. Lips brushing collarbones. A single bite to the skin.

“You’re mine tonight,” Sungmin whispered, breath hot at his neck.

Jingxiang’s body tensed…not from fear, but want.

His fingers threaded into Sungmin’s hair. “Say it again.”

“You’re the one I want, hyung. The one I’ve always wanted.”

Their bodies moved in slow sync, grinding in rhythm, the air between them too thick to breathe easily. Jingxiang kissed his jaw, his ear, anywhere he could reach.

“But who do you want me to be tonight?” he rasped. “Your hyung? Your boyfriend? Or something else?”

Sungmin pulled back enough to look him in the eyes.

“Be the one who keeps me safe. Be the one who makes this all feel real.”

Jingxiang wanted that. Wanted to give him everything. But the fear of failing, of being too much or not enough still lived somewhere deep.

“What if I ruin it?” he asked quietly. “What if I disappoint you?”

Sungmin’s hand cupped his cheek, his thumbs tracing skin like he could erase that fear with touch alone. “Then I’ll still be here in the morning.”

Their kiss deepened, all teeth and need. The tension dissolved into something desperate and raw. Jingxiang moaned his name—Sungmin, Sungmin, Sungmin—again and again until…

It happened.

A slip. A fracture.

“…Quanrui.”

Everything stopped.

The warmth between them iced over.

Sungmin’s breath caught. His body froze against Jingxiang’s. Then he pulled back, slowly, as if peeling himself away from something too painful to face head-on.

“What… did you say?” he asked.

Jingxiang's heart fell into his stomach.

He hadn’t even realized.

But he knew exactly what he said.

And the way Sungmin’s expression shifted from passion, to confusion, to quiet devastation…made it unbearable.

The name sat in the air between them like smoke from a fire that hadn’t quite gone out.

Sungmin’s body tensed underneath him like someone had flipped a switch.

His eyes widened—shocked, unguarded—and his whole posture stiffened as if his breath had been stolen. “What… did you just call me?” His voice was barely audible, thin and shaking, yet carried more weight than anything he’d said all night.

Jingxiang felt his stomach drop, the rush of blood draining from his face. His whole body went cold.

No. No no no no no—

He hadn’t meant to say it. Not out loud. Not here. Not now.

The name had slipped through his lips like a crack in a dam, breaking open something he thought was long buried.

Sungmin slowly sat back, his chest rising and falling as his expression darkened. The soft light that had once danced in his eyes was gone, replaced by something sharp and unfamiliar—hurt.

“Who the hell is Quanrui?” His voice cracked like glass, trembling at the edges. “Answer me.”

Jingxiang froze.

The silence pressed in like heat before a thunderstorm.

The room was full of warmth and skin and breath a moment ago, but now felt distant, like someone had pulled the ground from beneath them. His throat tightened. Words wouldn’t come.

Sungmin blinked slowly, his eyes locking on Jingxiang’s like he was searching for something that was an answer, a lie, a reason to stay. “Xiang…”

Jingxiang swallowed hard, panic rising in his chest like a wave too fast to fight. “Min—please—I can explain.”

He reached for Sungmin’s cheek, his thumb brushing gently along the curve of his face, trying to catch the tears before they could fall.

But Sungmin flinched at the touch. Pulled away like it burned.

“Explain?” he said, voice jagged. “You said someone else’s name. While you were touching me like that. While I—” His voice caught, his eyes wet and wide. “I thought this meant something.”

“It does,” Jingxiang whispered, desperate. “It does mean something. It means everything.”

Sungmin’s expression twisted and hurt folding into disbelief. “Then why did you say his name?”

“I didn’t mean to,” Jingxiang said quickly. “I thought—I thought I was dreaming or… I don’t know. It just slipped. I swear, Min, I’m sorry.”

Sungmin stared at him, his lower lip trembling as he looked away. “Sorry?” he repeated, voice low. “That’s all you have?”

Jingxiang felt like the air had been sucked from his lungs.

Sungmin’s eyes flicked back to him, raw and searching. “Do you actually love me, hyung? Or am I just here to make you forget him?”

Jingxiang’s heart cracked at the sound of his voice—that voice, usually calm and soft-spoken, now shaking, cracked open like it hurt just to speak. He reached for Sungmin’s hand, but it was pulled away instantly.

“Don’t,” Sungmin said, quieter this time. “Please. Don’t touch me.”

Jingxiang’s hand fell limply at his side.

He’d never seen Sungmin like this before and not like the patient, composed maknae the public knew, not even the bright, quiet boy he’d grown to love over practice rooms and late-night ramen. This version of him was broken open, unguarded in a way that felt dangerous.

“Sungmin, I—”

“You what?” he said. “Want to explain how I’ve been a stand-in for someone you still dream about? How were you moaning someone else’s name while kissing me?”

“No,” Jingxiang said, voice cracking. “No. That’s not what this is. I didn’t— I never used you.”

“Then tell me who he is.”

The name clawed at his throat, refusing to come out. But it had to. There was no other way forward.

“…Ricky,” he finally said. “Quanrui. Ricky.”

Sungmin’s face went still, lips parting slightly. His brow furrowed in disbelief, mouth trembling before he whispered, “Ricky… from Boys Planet?”

Jingxiang nodded, barely.

“We were close,” he said, eyes lowering. “Back then. It was fast. Messy. We… slept together. Once. Then he disappeared. No calls. No goodbye. Just gone.”

He forced himself to keep going.

“It wasn’t supposed to mean anything. But it was my first time. And I thought—I thought he felt something too.”

Sungmin closed his eyes, as if hearing it made it real.

“I hated him for that,” Jingxiang added, almost choking. “And I tried to forget. I really did, Min. I swear to you. When you asked me out, I was already… already trying to let him go. I didn’t know this would happen tonight. I didn’t plan it. It just—came out.”

The weight of his mistake hung in the air, louder than his confession.

Sungmin’s jaw clenched. “So while I was falling for you, learning you, memorizing every stupid little thing about you…” His voice faltered. “You were carrying someone else in your heart the whole time?”

“No. Min—no,” Jingxiang said, moving closer. “That’s not it. I love you. I do. I’m not lying.”

Sungmin scoffed softly, wiping at his eyes but failing to stop the tears. “Then why am I the one hurting?”

Jingxiang cupped his cheeks, even as Sungmin leaned back slightly. “Because I’m an idiot. Because I held onto something I should’ve let go of long ago. But you—you’re the one who stayed. You’re the one who saw me when I didn’t know who I was anymore. You’re the one who didn’t run.”

Tears spilled freely now.

“You loved me before I even knew how to love myself.”

Sungmin blinked at him, stunned. But the pain was still there, clinging to his expression like bruises.

“So what?” he whispered. “You’re saying you loved him. And now you love me. Is that how this works?”

“No,” Jingxiang breathed. “I’m saying that you’re the only one I want now.”

Another silence.

Then, suddenly—“Then prove it.”

Jingxiang leaned forward slowly, carefully, giving Sungmin time to stop him.

But he didn’t.

Their lips met which was tentative at first, then firmer, deeper. A kiss full of apology, of ache, of a thousand unsaid things. It wasn’t perfect. It tasted like salt and hurt and fear.

But beneath all of that, there was still something.

Something real.

Sungmin didn’t move at first. His body was stiff, hands clenched at his sides.

But slowly, slowly… his lips moved back against Jingxiang’s. Not with certainty, not with full forgiveness, but with longing.

And longing meant there was still a chance.

▹▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹

Sungmin’s hands, once firm against Jingxiang’s chest in resistance, slowly curled into the fabric of his shirt.

His fingers trembled…hesitant at first, then anchoring as though searching for something steady to hold onto in the wake of everything that had been shattered. Jingxiang felt the warmth of them settle against his shoulders, delicate but desperate, as if Sungmin was still deciding whether to pull him closer or push him away again.

The kiss between them turned breathless, slow but no longer soft. The air between them tasted of salt and something older, heavier…regret, ache, maybe love if it still survived.

The sheets crinkled beneath them, warm from where their bodies had been pressed close moments ago. Jingxiang dipped his head to Sungmin’s neck, and the taste that met his lips wasn’t just sweat.

It was tears.

A bitter reminder of what he’d broken.

"You have no idea," Sungmin whispered, his voice shaking like the rest of him, “how much I need to feel wanted by you.”

His words clung to the silence between them like a fragile thread. Jingxiang stilled. That confession—bare, unfiltered—cut through the last bit of distance between them.

He pressed his lips against the tear-streaked skin of Sungmin’s throat, tracing a path up to his jaw with his mouth. “I want you, Sungminie,” he murmured against his skin, each word thick with emotion. “I want you.”

He lingered at the junction where neck met shoulder, mouthing at the spot gently before whispering, “Let me show you. Let me make you forget, Aegi… just for tonight.”

Sungmin’s breath hitched.

Then, in the softest voice, lips brushing Jingxiang’s ear like a confession meant only for him:
“Show me, hyung. Make me forget.”

It wasn’t lust that moved Jingxiang’s hands, not at first. It was something deeper—an ache to reassure, to repair. He kissed Sungmin’s collarbone, his lips lingering against the skin as if sealing a promise.

“I love you, Aegi. I’ll make this right.”

His mouth began to trail lower, each kiss a wordless apology. His teeth grazed against skin, drawing soft gasps from Sungmin’s lips. Love bites bloomed where apologies couldn’t quite reach. A slow constellation of grief and longing.

Sungmin trembled, every little touch igniting something deep beneath the surface.

Jingxiang’s hands drifted down to his thighs, parting them with reverence. His palms skimmed the inside, barely touching—just enough to tease, to feel the tension held in Sungmin’s muscles. He paused, gauging his reaction.

But Sungmin’s voice, low and rough from everything they’d said, broke through.

“Don’t stop. Don’t hold back, hyung.” His eyes were glossy but clear. “Make it hurt so I know it’s real.”

Jingxiang exhaled shakily, his gaze searching Sungmin’s for any trace of hesitation.

There was none. Just need.

He leaned down and pressed his tongue against the delicate skin of Sungmin’s underarms. An intimate place most lovers wouldn’t dare to touch, but with Sungmin, everything was sacred. Sungmin twitched, his back arching as overstimulation spread through his nerves like lightning.

It felt taboo. Messy. Too much.

Which was exactly why Jingxiang couldn’t stop.

They had crossed lines long ago. This wasn’t just about sex—it was about possession, about surrender, about clinging to what was still left standing.

“Xiang—!” Sungmin gasped, his voice fraying. His fingers found their way into Jingxiang’s hair, tightening. “Like that—just like that. Don’t stop.”

Jingxiang groaned into his skin, the sound vibrating through both of them. He kissed down slowly, making sure Sungmin felt every inch of him, every inch of his remorse and reverence.

He licked a trail along his chest, pausing at each nipple to circle his tongue around them before sucking, letting Sungmin’s soft cries guide the rhythm. His hands steadied Sungmin’s hips, which kept trying to rise with every new touch, every new wave of sensation.

When he finally reached his abdomen, he slowed even more—lips brushing against flushed skin, savoring the taste of Sungmin, of the one he nearly lost.

“You’re mine,” Jingxiang murmured, his voice ragged and dark with devotion. “Every inch of you. Only mine.”

Sungmin whimpered, his body arching into the words. “Yes… Xiang hyung. Only yours.”

That was all it took.

With slow, deliberate care, Jingxiang hooked his fingers into the waistband of Sungmin’s underwear and pulled them down, exposing him to the dim, golden light of the bedside lamp. The cotton pooled at his thighs, and beneath it, he was trembling—bare, flushed, vulnerable.

Beautiful.

Jingxiang’s breath caught in his throat as he stared.

Not just from lust. But awe.

Sungmin watched him with wide eyes, his chest rising and falling as he waited for Jingxiang to make the next move. Trust and fear danced in his expression—he was giving himself over completely.

Jingxiang lowered himself between Sungmin’s legs, never breaking eye contact.

He pressed a soft kiss just above Sungmin’s entrance and paused. His voice, when he spoke, was quieter than before, but the words burned hotter.

Sungmin bucked his hips, a desperate, wordless plea for more. “Fuck, Xiang. Hyung… need you,” he gasped, fingers tangling in Jingxiang’s hair, tugging hard enough to make his scalp sting. The sharp pain only heightened the pleasure, sending a jolt of fire straight to Jingxiang’s groin.

His eyes locked on Sungmin’s, dark with need, as he slowly, reverently pushed his lover’s thighs apart, exposing the untouched territory between them. He licked his lips, anticipation thick in the air, before pressing a tender kiss to the sensitive skin just above Sungmin’s entrance.

“Has anyone ever done this to you before, Aegi?” Jingxiang whispered, voice hoarse with desire and a flicker of vulnerability. He needed to know. To be the first to give Sungmin this, to claim this sacred part of him.

Sungmin shook his head, breath coming in short, ragged gasps. “No one… no one but you, hyung.”

That answer sent a thrill through Jingxiang. A primal possessiveness that made his pulse race.

With a low growl, Jingxiang pressed his tongue into Sungmin’s entrance, slow and deliberate. Sungmin’s sharp gasp filled the room, hands balling in the sheets as his body tensed. But Jingxiang held him firm, gripping his hips, trusting the fragile line between pain and pleasure. He knew the risk pushing Sungmin’s boundaries, but also knew the trust there, the need.

Sungmin’s breath hitched, arching off the bed, his voice trembling with both pleasure and pain. “Hyung… wait,” he gasped, but his body writhed beneath him, begging for more. Jingxiang pushed deeper, feeling the tight muscles tremble under his tongue.

Hands tangled fiercely in Jingxiang’s dark hair, pulling him closer. “Hyung… yes,” Sungmin whispered, voice strangled between pain and pleasure. The raw intensity sent a surge of heat through Jingxiang’s core.

“Don’t close your eyes,” Jingxiang murmured, kissing his way down Sungmin’s body, hands gliding over every hard contour. “I want you to watch me love every inch of you, Aegi.”

His words were a promise — every memory etched deep. Jingxiang’s lubed fingers slipped inside Sungmin, curling upward to test his stretch. Sungmin whined low, hips bucking against the intrusion.

“I need more,” he panted, voice thick with desperate longing. “Please, I need you in me, Xiang. All of you.”

Jingxiang’s semi-hard cock throbbed approximately eight inches, slick with lube, aching to be buried deep. His heart pounded wildly as he pressed the flushed tip against Sungmin’s entrance, aching to fill him.

Sungmin’s eyes widened at the initial push, body tightening. Jingxiang paused, gripping his lover’s hips, whispering, “Breathe, Aegi. No rush.”

He urged gently, “Push out as I push in.” Slowly, agonizingly, Jingxiang slid inside, inch by inch, slick with sweat and desire. Sungmin gasped softly, lips parting in pain and pleasure as Jingxiang stretched him wide, burying himself deeper.

“You’re tight, Aegi,” Jingxiang breathed, voice low and gravelly. “But you’ll take me. You always do.”

Sungmin clenched the sheets, knuckles white, voice ragged, “Hyung, it burns—I can’t…”

Jingxiang held, lips brushing Sungmin’s ear, soothing, “Just a little more, baby. You’re doing so well.”

Slowly, inch by inch, Jingxiang pushed until he was buried fully inside the trembling tightness. Sungmin’s nails dug into Jingxiang’s shoulders, pain grounding them both, holding them in the present.

“Still not all in,” Jingxiang warned, voice thick with arousal. “You’re so fucking tight, it’s driving me insane. But you’re taking me, Aegi. Every inch.”

With a guttural growl, Jingxiang finally sheathed himself fully inside. Sungmin blinked back tears, shuddering as he adjusted to the overwhelming fullness.

“Then make me lose my mind with you,” Sungmin whispered, voice hoarse with need. “I want to forget everything.”

Jingxiang leaned down, lips capturing Sungmin’s in a fierce, possessive kiss.

He pulled Sungmin into his lap, straddling him as gravity drove his cock deeper. Sungmin gasped, fingers gripping Jingxiang’s shoulders for support as the raw fullness sent shocks through him. Every inch of Jingxiang filled him with pulsing heat, stretching tightness, claiming.

“Xiang,” he gasped, voice ragged with pleasure and pain. “You’re… so deep.”

Foreheads pressed together, a tender moment amid the fierce passion.

“You feel me now, Aegi? Deep enough to know this is real?” Jingxiang whispered, voice rough with desire.

Sungmin nodded, eyes locked on Jingxiang’s, lip caught between teeth as a thrust sent him reeling. His inner walls spasmed, clinging to Jingxiang, desperate to never let go.

Jingxiang’s breath hitched, eyes fluttering closed, savoring the tight grip.

“Yes,” Sungmin whispered low and guttural. “I feel you, Xiang hyung. Deep enough to know this is real.”

Their bodies moved in sync, flesh slick with sweat and slick, sounds of wet skin meeting filling the room with squelching, lewd, intimate.

Jingxiang’s breath was ragged, each exhale desperate and harsh, driving them toward the edge.

“I want you ruined by me, Aegi. So you never forget.”

The primal claim left no doubt.

Sungmin trembled with each thrust, muscles tensing as pleasure and pain became unbearable.

“Hyung, I’ve cum too much—I can’t hold it anymore,” he sobbed, desperate ecstasy flooding every nerve ending, trembling in release.

His voice ragged, body convulsing, cock pulsing, spilling again—coating their bellies in sticky heat.

“Then don’t,” Jingxiang growled, desperate as Sungmin clenched, milking him with tight, intense pressure that pushed Jingxiang over the edge.

“Let it all out. I want to see you unravel, Aegi. Fall apart in my arms.”

Sungmin’s body convulsed again, muscles tensing and releasing in brutal rhythm.

Jingxiang was relentless, hips slamming with ruthless force, cock brushing Sungmin’s sweet spot repeatedly.

“You’re taking it so well, Aegi,” Jingxiang growled, passion raw in his voice. “You were made for me, weren’t you?”

Sungmin’s eyes rolled back, body shaking with every brutal thrust, lost in waves of exquisite agony and pleasure.

Unable to answer, only scream as his hole fluttered around Jingxiang’s cock, muscles taut and quivering.

Red-faced and sweat drenched, eyes unfocused, every part of him centered on Jingxiang’s relentless rhythm.

Jingxiang grabbed his waist, fingers digging into soft flesh, whispering against Sungmin’s lips, “I love you. Fuck, I love you so much I want to live inside your body.”

His voice ragged with desire, desperate to be closer, to be one with Sungmin.

In that moment, as Sungmin’s head dropped to his shoulder, whispering words that tore at his heart, Jingxiang knew he’d do anything.

“Hyung, fill me,” Sungmin murmured, voice hoarse, desperate. “Mark me inside so I can feel you long after you’re gone.”

The primal need surged through Jingxiang, breathless and possessed.

He leaned down, lips crashing into Sungmin’s in a fierce, passionate kiss, tongue thrusting to claim, possess, make him his alone.

Hands gripped Sungmin’s hips tighter, fingers digging into soft flesh as he pulled him close, driving harder and faster.

“I’m going to fuck you until you scream,” Jingxiang growled, voice harsh and desperate, sending shivers through Sungmin.

A raw, primal promise.

Pulling back, eyes locked fiercely on Sungmin’s, Jingxiang’s voice dropped low, “I want to hear you scream my name, Aegi. So loud the whole world knows you belong to me.”

His final thrusts came with violent release — warm gushes filling Sungmin’s eager body, spilling in sticky streams over their thighs and sheets.

Seeing his own claim marked on Sungmin sent a surge of primal possessiveness crashing through him.

He pulled out, watching cum leak from Sungmin’s twitching hole, desire roaring hotter.

Fingers traced the mess, cock still semi-hard, watching Sungmin shudder with aftershocks.

Leaning in, lips capturing Sungmin’s in a fierce kiss before pulling back, eyes dark with hunger.

A sharp smack landed on Sungmin’s reddened ass, echoing like a gunshot.

Sungmin tensed, a sharp gasp escaping as he arched into the sting, eyes wide in surprise.

“Hyung?” he breathed, voice soft and breathless, heightening Jingxiang’s arousal.

“I’m not going anywhere, Aegi,” Jingxiang promised, heart pounding as he wrapped arms tight, holding Sungmin close.

“I’ve got you.”

The words sent a shiver of pleasure, safety washing over Sungmin as he relaxed into the embrace, sighing contentedly.

But as endorphins faded, fear and uncertainty crept in.

Pulling back slightly, eyes meeting Jingxiang’s with confusion and worry, Sungmin whispered, “What happens now?”

His voice trembled to the point where his hope and fear tangled like a child, afraid to ask.

“I won’t give up,” Jingxiang vowed, stroking his hair gently. “Not until you push me away.”

A low rumble of raw, honest promise filled the room.

Soft breaths mingled with the scent of sex as the fragile moment stretched between them.

Sungmin’s eyes held a storm of emotions filled love, fear, hope, apprehension — torn and uncertain.

Jingxiang slipped out of bed, fingers tracing every mark left like a sacred vow etched on skin.

He caught himself staring vulnerable, open Sungmin trusting him with every inch where awe and humility flooding him.

With gentle reverence, he cleaned sweat and cum from Sungmin’s skin, tracing the faint red marks left behind.

“I never want to forget this version of you,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to Sungmin’s hip, salty and warm, tasting like their shared passion.

His heart ached with longing and satisfaction, knowing this intimacy was theirs alone.

After a few quiet moments, Jingxiang pulled away, a soft smile playing on his lips as Sungmin curled up, eyes fluttering closed.

Grabbing the discarded clothes, he slipped into Sungmin’s oversized hoodie and black sweatpants that were comfortable, familiar, a stark contrast to his usual stage.

▹▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹▸▹

His thoughts began to wander, the reality of their situation sinking in. He pulled back slightly, eyes locking with Jing Xiang’s, confusion and fear clouding his gaze. "What happens now?" he asked, voice barely above a whisper.

Sungmin’s voice trembled, fragile mix of fear and hope, like a child afraid to ask but desperate to know.

"I won’t give up," Jing Xiang promised, fingers stroking through Sungmin’s hair. "Not until you push me away." His voice was a low rumble, a raw and honest vow that left no room for doubt.

The room was filled with soft breaths and the lingering scent of sex. The moment felt fragile, like a dream neither wanted to wake from. Sungmin’s eyes met Jing Xiang’s, swirling with a whirlwind of emotions filled with love, fear, hope, and just a touch of apprehension—leaving his expression torn and uncertain.

Jing Xiang slipped out of bed, fingers tracing every mark he had left behind like a vow etched into flesh. As he gently wiped the sweat and cum from Sungmin’s skin, he caught himself staring, thinking how beautiful vulnerability looked on him. Sungmin lay exposed and open, trusting Jing Xiang with every inch of his being. The sight was both awe-inspiring and humbling, a reminder of the depth of their connection—and the responsibility it carried.

Jing Xiang’s touch was gentle, almost reverent, as he traced the faint red marks on Sungmin’s hips, fingers lingering on the sensitive spots that had fluttered and clenched around him. "I never want to forget this version of you," he murmured, pressing a kiss to Sungmin’s hip. The skin was salty and warm against his lips, the taste reminiscent of their lovemaking. His heart ached with a mixture of longing and satisfaction, knowing this intimacy was theirs alone.

Ma Jing Xiang walked into a crowded café in Shanghai, his heart still heavy from the night before but determined to make the day peaceful. He wore a simple, unassuming outfit, hoping to blend in, but his mind was restless, replaying Sungmin’s tearful confrontation over and over.

"Why did you come back?" Sungmin had asked, voice ragged, eyes filled with a mix of pain and betrayal. The words echoed in Jing Xiang’s mind, a haunting refrain that left him feeling guilty and helpless. He knew he should have told Sungmin the truth, warned him their love was fragile. A delicate balance easily shattered. But he hadn’t. He couldn’t. Because Ricky’s name was never meant to be on Sungmin’s lips.

The thought was a bitter pill to swallow. Jing Xiang’s grip tightened on the cold glass of Sungmin’s favorite banana smoothie. As he turned to leave the busy café, a sudden jolt sent a shockwave through him as the drink slipped from his hands, shattering on the floor.

He’d bumped into someone. Instinctively, he bent down to pick up a black card that had fallen.

Time seemed to stand still as he looked up, eyes meeting the piercing gaze of Ricky. It was as if all the air had been sucked out of the room, leaving them frozen in a moment neither wanted but couldn’t escape.

"You," Jing Xiang muttered, voice barely a whisper.

His heart pounded as his eyes flicked from Ricky to the small girl in his arms. The resemblance was uncanny, stirring a swirl of memories and confusion deep inside him. The girl’s striking eyes and smile were a mirror image of someone he’d known intimately—someone he still longed for, even after all these years.

Ricky stood calm and composed, seemingly unfazed by the sudden turn of events. He gave Jing Xiang a slight nod, lips curving into a small, enigmatic smile.

"It’s been a while, Jing Xiang," he said, voice low and steady. "I’ve been hoping to run into you."

Jing Xiang’s grip on the shattered glass tightened, knuckles whitening as he struggled to process the scene before him. The woman by Ricky’s side leaned in, lips brushing his ear in a soft whisper. "Who is he, Ricky?" Her voice was gentle, almost tender, but underneath lay something sharper with possessiveness, maybe curiosity.

Ricky’s eyes darted between the woman and Jing Xiang, jaw clenched tight as he searched for words. The suddenness of their encounter rattled him, stripping away his usual charm and leaving a brittle silence hanging heavy between the three.

Jing Xiang felt a surge of jealousy, grudging admiration, and a wave of resentment and all crashing over him at once.

He watched as the woman stepped forward, eyes narrowing as she assessed him. The sharp, predatory gaze was eerily familiar—like the countless times Ricky had scrutinized him on the show.

"And who might you be?" she asked, voice a low purr edged with steel. Her eyes flicked between Jing Xiang and Ricky, her expression a mix of suspicion and wary curiosity.

Ricky’s grip tightened imperceptibly on his daughter, betraying the sudden tension coiling inside him.

"Jing Xiang," he said, voice clipped, "meet Maya. Maya, this is..." He hesitated, warmth drained from his expression. "An old friend."

The words hung in the air, cold and heavy. Silence pressed down on them like a physical weight.

Jing Xiang’s mind flooded with fragmented memories filled with the past love, heartbreak, the unsaid goodbyes. Around him, Shanghai’s vibrant chaos blurred, its noise muffled like cotton. As Ricky introduced the stunning woman beside him, Jing Xiang’s heart thudded painfully. The word escaped his lips in a breathless whisper:

"Fuck."

The moment felt unreal, fractured as time splintered and reality shattered. He flicked his gaze from Ricky to Maya, then back again, eyes wide as the truth snapped into place.

"So, you’re the one he couldn’t forget," Maya purred, eyes burning with a sharp intensity that sent a shiver down Jing Xiang’s spine.

The resemblance was undeniable as the same sharp features, piercing gaze. The girl in Ricky’s arms was his daughter. Ricky’s daughter.