Jihl wanted nothing more than for Bao Bei to stay by his side. But he didn't want to force Bao Bei to stay. He just wanted Bao Bei to be happy. If Bao Bei preferred someone closer to his own age, another young beastmen, then Jihl was ready to step aside. Maybe someone like Judy or Kesi would be better for him.
The truth, though, was that Jihl wanted to grab Bao Bei and lock him in a room so he couldn't go anywhere. But if Bao Bei ended up hating him for it, Jihl knew he would never recover.
I'm an adult. A grown man with sense. I should think about Bao Bei's happiness first.
Jihl kept repeating those words to himself like a prayer.
"When I'm next to Jihl, I feel really safe. If Jihl will allow it, I want to stay by your side forever. I'll do my best not to be a burden. Jihl, is that okay with you?"
Was that… a confession? Could I even take it as a proposal?
