Liang Chen raised an eyebrow, surprise flickering across his features. "Compensation? What do you mean?"
"I know you said you'd make it up to me," Huo Yi pressed, his determination rising. "I want you to be honest with me. I want to be my brother's substitute."
Liang Chen's expression shifted, confusion mixing with concern. "Huo Yi, I—"
"I don't need love," Huo Yi interrupted, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "I just want to be with you. I want a physical relationship—nothing more."
The silence that followed felt heavy, as if the entire café had suddenly muted. Huo Yi felt exposed, laid bare before Liang Chen, and he hated how vulnerable he was.
"I can't," Liang Chen finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.
