"I'm being serious, Haoran. You can't just wander around without telling me. Especially alone."
Zixuan tilted his head. "So, I need permission now? From you, before I can go anywhere?" His temper was rising.
Haoran's chest rose and fell, filled with words and emotions threatening to spill out. But he needed control—one wrong word might ruin everything. His hand came up, gripping the iron beside Zixuan, trapping him in place. "You don't understand."
"Then make me understand," Zixuan said, his voice softening.
Haoran hesitated.
"If something happens to you, I won't be able to survive," he murmured.
Zixuan blinked, surprised by the vulnerability in Haoran's tone. It was so unexpected.
His lips parted, his mind filled with countless things to say—but no words came out. He was moved by Haoran's care and protectiveness.
