Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Zhang Yu greeted him cheerfully.

He didn’t pay much attention to He Xu’s words; since he couldn’t understand them anyway, he simply tuned them out.

The big octopus never bothered himself with trifles.

Taking advantage of his agility, he squeezed right through the gap between He Xu’s arm and the door, exclaiming happily, “I’ve been looking for you for so long. Glad I found the right one.”

He had followed He Xu’s scent all the way to the vicinity, but once inside the hotel, the multitude of scents had confused him, making him circle around several times before finally locating this room.

He Xu had been wondering how the boy had managed to track him down without him noticing at all. Seeing him slip inside the moment he let his guard down, He Xu was so exasperated he laughed.

“Looking for me? I already told you not to follow me, and you still dare to come looking? You think my words are just in one ear and out the other? You really think I won’t hit you, huh?”

He grabbed the curly-haired boy by the collar, ready to throw him out. “Get out!”

No way! He’d worked so hard to get in!

“I’m not leaving!” Zhang Yu immediately reached out to grab the door, digging in his heels. Only when the other’s expression darkened did he realize he’d used too much strength. Quickly, he let himself go limp, pretending to lose his balance from the pull.

To make it convincing, he even staggered for effect—but this little act ended up backfiring.

The space outside the suite’s door wasn’t large, and with He Xu pulling him, the two were just over a foot apart.

Zhang Yu’s human guise wasn’t as tall as He Xu’s, only reaching up to his chin. If he’d stayed stiff, it would’ve been fine, but slumping forward made him even shorter.

All these factors combined meant that when Zhang Yu stumbled forward from He Xu’s pull, he accidentally plowed right into He Xu’s chest. His lips first brushed against warm skin, then crushed against something unexpectedly soft.

The chest beneath him jerked as if shocked, a muffled groan escaping, followed by a powerful shove on his shoulders!

Zhang Yu was thrown back hard, slamming into the wall behind him.

He Xu’s face was beet red as he glared at him, teeth clenched, words forced out one by one, his eyes flashing with poorly hidden fluster. “You… fucking asking for death?”

Zhang Yu guiltily averted his gaze, murmuring sheepishly, “…Sorry, I didn’t mean to.”

Thinking back to the soft sensation against his lips just now, Zhang Yu couldn’t help but sneak another glance.

This was the first time he’d touched He Xu in his human guise—completely different from using his tentacles. It felt strangely thrilling.

During those other times, He Xu always tensed up, his body rigid all over, his chest no exception. This was the first time Zhang Yu had felt something so soft, making him want to try it again.

The springy feel was certainly satisfying to chew on, but the softness had its own unique appeal.

Unfortunately, when he’d been pushed away, he’d caught a glimpse through the loose robe—the area was rapidly changing back to its usual state.

Mourning internally with regret, Zhang Yu stole another glance, his eyes drawn to the swath of bare skin on He Xu’s chest.

The robe had already been loose, and after all the commotion, it hung even more carelessly around He Xu’s waist, revealing a broad, marked-up chest.

Bruises in shades of blue and purple layered over the honey-toned skin, creating a weirdly mesmerizing sight.

Zhang Yu couldn’t help but look—once, twice, then again.

This was another first.

Usually, after mating, He Xu would be covered in marks, but he was always unconscious, completely still. By the time he woke up, he’d wrap himself up tightly, not showing an inch of skin.

This was the first time Zhang Yu had seen his own marks on He Xu while the man was awake.

Unlike when he was unconscious, an alert, aware He Xu wore vivid expressions—whether sneering or furious, he thrummed with energy, making even the marks on his neck and chest seem different.

But the person being stared at clearly didn’t share the sentiment.

He Xu’s expression darkened further. He wanted to pull the robe closed to cover himself, but the gesture felt too weak, like some damsel fending off a creep. Stiffly, he dropped his hands, gritting his teeth. “The hell you staring at? Had enough?!”

The low growl jolted Zhang Yu back to reality. Realizing he’d been caught staring for too long, he guiltily turned away, apologizing again. “Uh, sorry. Didn’t mean to.”

After a pause, he added softly, honestly, “Still looks good, though.”

Would be even better if he could touch it.

The unexpected compliment actually stunned He Xu for a second before he realized what the boy was referring to. His face immediately turned thunderous.

Just as he was about to explode, his gaze landed on the faint bruises around the boy’s neck—standing out starkly against pale skin. His anger twisted into a cold smirk. “Look who’s talking.”

Both of them were marked up—neither had any right to judge.

Unfortunately, the other party didn’t catch the sarcasm, taking it as a compliment. His face lit up instantly. “Really? I think so too!”

He Xu: “…”

That familiar choking sensation was back. Was this curly-haired brat sent to torment him?!

Too fed up to argue, He Xu crossed his arms, snapping impatiently, “Get lost.”

Zhang Yu pressed himself tightly against the wall, shaking his head wildly. “No, I can’t leave. What if you get a fever again?”

“What’s it to you if I get a fever?” He Xu’s tone was biting. “Who the hell are you to meddle in my business?”

“Of course it matters to me.” Zhang Yu shot him a quick glance, then, copying soap opera actors, put on a shy expression, cheeks faintly pink as he stammered, “Because, well… I told you before, that… that thing…”

He stammered and stalled for a while before finally squeaking out in a tiny voice, “…I like you.”

He Xu snorted derisively. “You like me? So what? I beat you up, and you still like me? What are you, a glutton for punishment? Let me say it again—I’m not gay, I don’t like you, got it?!”

“But… we already, you know… kissed…” Zhang Yu squirmed. Didn’t TV say humans only kissed when they liked each other?

He Xu tsked impatiently. “So what? It’s just a kiss. I could kiss anyone!”

Zhang Yu’s eyes widened instantly. “You’d kiss someone else?!”

Kissing another human = liking another human = having babies with another human.

No way!

The usually domineering octopus refused to accept that.

He Xu was already carrying his child—how could he get pregnant with someone else’s?!

Rage surged. In a flash, Zhang Yu reached out, grabbed He Xu’s shoulders, and shoved him hard against the wall. Then, standing on tiptoe, he aimed straight for those slightly parted lips—and sank his teeth in!

The sharp pain on his lips jolted He Xu back to his senses. His expression darkened instantly as he grabbed Zhang Yu’s clothes, ready to throw him out.

Just then, the door across the hallway suddenly flew open. The guest inside, at his limit, snapped, “You two done yet? Some of us are trying to sleep—what the hell?!”

Taking in the sight of Zhang Yu pushing someone against the wall for a kiss, and He Xu—marked up, using his height advantage to shove Zhang Yu away (though it looked more like he was hugging his neck)—the man was so shocked he instinctively moved to slam the door again. But, too angry about being disturbed, he yanked it back open and snapped, “Goddammit!”

"Damn gays, can't you take it inside? Gotta leave the door open for everyone to see, huh? Going at it so hard, want me to livestream it for you?"

With a loud "thud," the door slammed shut.

The two of them: "..."

He Xu snapped out of it and shoved Zhang Yu away. Zhang Yu, remembering he was still pretending to be a fragile human, stumbled back a couple of steps, looking sheepish. "S-sorry."

He Xu glared at the opposite door, eyes practically spitting fire. Hearing the apology, he shot Zhang Yu a cold look and slammed his own door shut.

He wiped his lips, glanced at the blood on his hand, and sneered, "You bit me? You’ve got balls."

Zhang Yu hung his head meekly. "M-my bad, I lost control..."

"Carried away?" He Xu cracked his knuckles, the sound sharp in the air, and smirked at the terrified-looking boy. "What, weren’t you just saying you liked me? Scared now?"

Zhang Yu hesitated, debating whether to act brave. "Uh, not *that* scared..."

*Bam!* A fist whizzed past his cheek and smashed into the wall.

"..." Zhang Yu shut his mouth and started working up tears.

He Xu braced one arm against the wall, leaning in to loom over the boy, his shadow enveloping him completely. With his other hand, he lightly patted Zhang Yu’s cheek, dark eyes glinting with malicious mockery.

"If you say you like me, then stick to it. Don’t run. Let’s see just how much you *really* like me."

The bedroom door closed.

The thick wooden panel blocked the view—and whatever sounds might follow.

Zhang Yu stood frozen in place, unmoving, as if stunned by He Xu’s words. But in reality, only one thought filled his mind:

*That spot really did swell up...*

---

Inside the bedroom’s bathroom.

He Xu stared at his reflection, touching the wound on his lip, and muttered under his breath, "Fuck."

That little curly-haired punk looked so weak, but who knew he’d be so strong? He hadn’t even reacted in time when he got shoved against the wall.

The cut on his lip wasn’t big, but it definitely wouldn’t heal overnight. If anyone saw it tomorrow, they’d probably assume he’d had some rough action.

He picked up the erythromycin ointment nearby, considering applying it, but then remembered where it had been used before. Disgusted, he tossed it aside.

Whatever. Let people guess. No way they’d figure out he’d been the one getting manhandled.

He collapsed onto the bed, trying to empty his mind and push back the dark emotions creeping in.

Just as the chill began creeping into his limbs again, a soft noise came from outside the door. He Xu startled awake, eyes snapping open, before remembering—*Zhang Yu’s out there*. Slowly, he relaxed.

Clenching his jaw, he accidentally brushed the wound. The sting shot straight to his brain, and for some reason, the tension coiled inside him suddenly loosened.

Lying back down, he closed his eyes. The strange visions didn’t vanish, but his heartbeat gradually steadied.

Amid the slow, even rhythm of his breathing, he finally drifted off.

---

Zhang Yu glanced toward the bedroom.

Had he heard something?

But the room was silent. Nothing moved.

He sat by the floor-to-ceiling window, hesitating.

After He Xu went to the bedroom, Zhang Yu had curled up on the living room sofa. Unable to sleep, feeling parched, he’d gotten up and chugged both bottles of mineral water in the room.

Still restless, he’d wandered around, poking at things, fiddling with the curtains’ remote until they lifted, revealing the city’s nightscape through the massive window.

The view, unobstructed by other buildings at this height, captivated the octopus. He plopped down cross-legged, entranced by the skyline.

Only now did it occur to him—he’d kind of forgotten about He Xu.

*Was he feverish again?*

Zhang Yu bolted up and tiptoed to the bedroom door, testing the handle.

Unlocked.

He cracked it open, peeking inside. He Xu was asleep. Slipping in quietly, he crept to the bedside.

The man on the bed frowned, forehead damp with sweat, breathing uneven—clearly restless.

But as Zhang Yu drew closer, as if sensing his presence, He Xu’s expression eased. His breaths deepened, steadied.

Zhang Yu reached out, touching He Xu’s forehead.

Damp but not feverish.

*Good. His ocean was safe.*

Relieved, the octopus slipped out of the room, happily returning to his sightseeing.

---

Waking from the depths of sleep, He Xu was groggy.

He checked his phone. *2 PM.*

He’d slept *that* long?

He hadn’t slept properly in ages.

Aside from that feverish night at the arcade, he’d spent every other night restless, woken by nightmares.

A dreamless, uninterrupted sleep like this felt like a distant memory—yet in reality, only a week had passed since *that creature* appeared.

Cracking his neck by the bed, he felt the accumulated exhaustion melt away. Even the lingering soreness was barely noticeable as he moved.

Well-rested, he felt lighter.

He opened the bedroom door, making for the dryer to grab his clothes.

The living room was quiet. He Xu glanced around but didn't see anyone.

Of course. That curly-haired guy had the audacity to steal a kiss from him, yet could also be reduced to tears by just one word. After last night's threats, he definitely wouldn’t dare mess with him again.

With that little backbone, he still had the nerve to say he liked him? Hmph.

He Xu scoffed, loosening the belt of his robe as he walked toward the dryer.

The dryer was on the other side, requiring him to cross the entire living room. Midway, he suddenly sensed movement in his peripheral vision.

The robe slipped off completely, pooling at his feet. He looked over absently and saw a familiar curly-haired figure rubbing his eyes as he sat up from behind the sofa, then lowered his hands and blinked over sleepily.

Their eyes met. He Xu watched as those dark pupils slowly widened, widened—until they were wide as saucers.

He Xu: "………………"