Chapter 44: Confession

Chapter 44: Confession

Xu Shaoen was still a bit dazed as Pei Ju carried him into the back seat of a black Rolls-Royce parked outside, wrapping him in a soft, cool velvet blanket.

"What is this?"

"Brother Pei just bought it!" Xiaojin poked his head out excitedly from the front seat.

"We went to the core district today—it's gorgeous there, pretty much on par with the Empire!"

He could almost swear he was back in the Empire, instead of drifting out in some backwater junk star system.

Good thing Brother Pei was generous—he had plenty of energy stones, so he just bought a car to get around, which beat walking hands down.

He'd originally wanted something cheap and low-key, but Brother Pei said since they weren't gonna stay on the edge of the lower district anyway and still had cash to spare, they might as well go for something better.

The divider slid down, and the back seat felt even more private and quiet.

Xu Shaoen watched the city unfold before him. The deeper they went, the nicer it got, until the car finally pulled up to a hotel that looked like a manor.

"We're here." Pei Ju reached for him again, but Xu Shaoen felt embarrassed.

Earlier, when Pei Ju carried him out, he'd still been half-asleep, so it hadn't been awkward. But now the lobby was full of strange Alphas, all dressed to the nines—there was no way he'd let Pei Ju carry him out like this.

"What's wrong with an Omega being a little pampered?"

Pei Ju chuckled: "Even if you wanted me to hold you 24/7, I'd do it."

That's when Xu Shaoen noticed Pei Ju was all dressed up too.

When did he even have time to change?

Xu Shaoen stared at Pei Ju, looking so sharp, and felt a little dazed.

Back at Dome Military Academy, he'd always dressed like this.

A tailored suit jacket, slim trousers, a crisp white shirt, and an ornate embroidered tie—people used to say he was like a peacock always fanning his tail, trying to catch every Omega's eye.

But Xu Shaoen thought that was unfair. Pei Ju was just naturally good-looking, so even a little polish made him look ridiculously classy and handsome, easily outshining most Alphas.

Xu Shaoen looked down at himself—a plain T-shirt and comfy linen pants. He didn't match Pei Ju at all.

Pei Ju read his mind and scooped him up with a chuckle.

His Omega looked good in anything—dressed up or dressed down. Right now, with his face tucked into Pei Ju's shoulder, he was so gorgeous that everyone would envy them, and Pei Ju just wanted to hide him away.

Xu Shaoen instinctively looped his arms around Pei Ju's neck while Pei Ju rode the elevator up to the twenty-second floor like he owned the place.

When the elevator doors slid open, Xu Shaoen could barely believe what he saw.

The suite took up the whole floor and had a killer view.

Fresh pink rose petals were scattered across the spotless red carpet. A fancy dining cart was already loaded with mouth-watering dishes. And beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows stretched a gorgeous star trail and an endless night sky.

"This is..." Xu Shaoen stepped onto the petal-strewn carpet, like he was walking on clouds.

Pei Ju took his hand, kissed his fingertips, and said, "Our new room."

A bouquet of pink peonies sat by the bed, still looking dewy. In the huge walk-in closet, freshly cleaned clothes hung, giving off a soft, nice scent.

Everything felt like a dream. For a second, he forgot this was Koent City on Sama Prime, a galaxy away, and thought he was back in the Imperial capital, back to normal life.

Pei Ju watched Xu Shaoen bounce around the room like a little deer and couldn't help smiling.

All the running around and picking things out had been worth it. Seeing Xu Shaoen happy made the whole day's hustle melt into sweet maple syrup in his chest.

It probably wasn't as nice as the top hotels back in the Imperial capital, but it was the best he could find with what he had.

A clean suite, a soft bed, nice clothes, gentle kisses.

His Omega deserved nothing less.

The one thing he felt bad about was that their first time together hadn't been in a perfect setting.

Xu Shaoen never brought it up, but Pei Ju still felt like he needed to make it more special.

Pei Ju caught the Omega who'd happily thrown himself into his arms, held him close, and opened his hand to reveal a glittering necklace.

"You like it?"

Xu Shaoen's eyes went wide. He couldn't believe it—a second surprise, a second gift in one day.

Pei Ju could practically hear the Omega's heart slamming in his chest.

Pei Ju kissed his forehead. "It's for you. Wanna change and have dinner with me?"

Xu Shaoen ducked into the bathroom and splashed cold water on his face.

**

Ever since he'd walked into this place, his heart had been going crazy.

He stared at his red face in the mirror—he looked a little drunk.

He'd imagined Pei Ju might get him a gift or plan some big confession—but not now.

At least after they got back to the Imperial capital. At least after everything had calmed down.

After getting his hopes up twice and getting let down, he'd slowly started to think it didn't matter who liked who first or who confessed first.

But now that it was actually happening—and Pei Ju moved fast—he finally realized what he'd been suppressing all along.

A second ago, he couldn't even look him in the eye.

Xu Shaoen touched the necklace around his neck. It was the hottest brand back in the Imperial capital right now.

He used to have a bunch of little pieces from this brand in his jewelry box.

But he never thought Pei Ju would track down this brand all the way out here, hundreds of star systems away, and get him a simple but classy starry necklace.

"Starlight." That's what it was called.

Pei Ju smiled and fastened it around his neck. "For the brightest star in my life."

Was this some cheesy drama plot?

Xu Shaoen thought he wouldn't fall for something like this, but his heart wouldn't stop pounding, and every step felt like walking on cotton.

And Pei Ju had thought of everything—he'd even picked out formal clothes for him.

"There are two sets, both very beautiful—pick whichever you like."

One was a tailored tuxedo that matched the color of Pei Ju's outfit—stark black and pure white, a striking contrast.

The other was a black silk gown with a texture nearly identical to the suit he was wearing, the skirt's layers cascading one over another, obviously a matching couple's outfit at first glance.

Xu Shaoen had originally wanted to wear the tuxedo, but even though Pei Ju didn't cast an extra glance at the gown, his presence alone clearly revealed the subtle preference of a certain Alpha.

He curled his fingers slightly.

Today, Pei Ju had prepared this surprise for him, and he couldn't help wanting to make him even happier.

But Xu Shaoen had never worn a skirt before; even at his most daring, he had only worn pants with extra lace.

The intricate lace and full skirt left him feeling a bit confused.

Steam filled the bathroom, and Pei Ju had already laid out the meal.

His little kitty seemed to have run into a bit of trouble.

There was a knock at the door.

"Need a hand?"

Though it was phrased as a question, he didn't hesitate for a moment before opening the door.

The door opened.

Xu Shaoen was still wrestling with the complicated full skirt when a chill seeped in. He looked up and met Pei Ju's deep eyes, fixed intently on his waist.

Xu Shaoen sat on the black leather chair by the bathtub, his skin still tinged with a faint pink, his lips as soft and plump as jelly.

"So you picked this one, baby..." Pei Ju's voice was slightly husky.

He had imagined Xu Shaoen in a gown countless times, but no imagining could ever compare to the reality.

His milky-white skin was flawless, his slender, shapely waist wrapped in the black satin skirt, the petticoat layered like drifts of snow, the contrast between black and white extremely striking.

"I-I'm not done dressing yet." Xu Shaoen tightened the ribbon, feeling Pei Ju looming over him like a mountain, making it hard to breathe.

"It's fine, I'll help you."

Pei Ju scooped him up in his arms and laid him on the large bed strewn with heart-shaped petals.

"You..." Xu Shaoen squirmed uncomfortably.

The straps were a tangled mess, and he had no idea how to sort them out.

Pei Ju caught his slender, pale ankle and first pressed a kiss to his pink toes.

His heart felt like it was tethered to a delicate thread; even knowing he looked a mess right now, he could only let Pei Ju do whatever he wanted.

Pei Ju slipped the snow-white stockings on him, his hand gripping his thigh, brushing over that tiny red mole.

With a gentle rub, a blush like peach blossoms spread across his skin.

Pei Ju couldn't resist savoring him thoroughly before the meal, then covering it all with the pristine white fabric.

It's fine, it's fine—sooner or later, he'd have him.

But for now, the priority was to fill the little kitty's belly, so he'd have the strength for what came next.

Pei Ju dressed Xu Shaoen, who was flushed and hot, his fingers deftly tying a big bow, then carried him over to the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the starry sky.

A bit of the heat dissipated as they dined quietly on this planet that was both unfamiliar yet had drawn them so close together.

His fingers were trembling; Xu Shaoen had never been this nervous.

Though they had done everything intimate before, tonight felt somehow different.

Pei Ju watched the Omega's flushed face and drained the last of his red wine.

"I hope you enjoy everything about tonight."

Pei Ju used a silk handkerchief to wipe a bit of salad from the corner of his lips.

"May I call you my little kitty now?" Pei Ju leaned in, his dark eyes like the vast, distant starry sky, or a black hole that seemed capable of swallowing his heartbeat whole.

"Yes."

"May I kiss you, my little kitty?"

"Yes."

Pei Ju held him close, tasting the sweetness of the red wine in his mouth.

Xu Shaoen felt as if he were drunk, tilting his head up to meet him, a rosy glow spreading across his face.

"I like you." Pei Ju bit his lower lip, confessing gently yet firmly, each word soft yet distinct.

His affection was even more direct and fervent in other ways, and Xu Shaoen could feel it completely.

His gaze wavered, and he leaned against his chest, pressing closer together.

"I hope today's confession isn't too late."

Of course it wasn't.

Xu Shaoen lifted his head, and Pei Ju's nose pressed against his, warm breath washing over his face.

His nose brushed affectionately across the soft skin of his cheeks, light and gentle, tinged with a faint sense of attachment.

Such tenderness made his heart race faster, like a fish leaping out of the water, gasping for each breath.

"I really like you."

Pei Ju's hand rested on his back, sliding down the deep V-neck of the satin gown to grip his narrow waist.

A tingling current shot up his spine, and Xu Shaoen felt like he was melting like a popsicle, dripping down bit by bit.

He buried his head against Pei Ju's shoulder, his voice muffled: "Since when?"

He wanted to know.

He wanted to know if, when he first intentionally let his gaze rest on Pei Ju, Pei Ju's heart had beaten for him too.

He wanted to know if, as he gradually lost control and let his heart draw closer to him, Pei Ju had felt just as captivated.

He had thought an Alpha's affection didn't mean much, but Pei Ju was different.

He really wanted to know when he had first fallen for him, when his heart had first fluttered.

Was it in the cave? When he had unconsciously wrapped himself tightly around him, like vines clinging to their tree:

Was it among the flowers? When he had been pressed deeply beneath him, and the sudden kiss was like a bee finding fragrant nectar, stinging him until it ached.

Or was it on the starship? When he had quietly leaned against his chest, that first time he'd been bold enough to ask for a kiss, and Pei Ju had readily given him the sweetest suppressant.

Xu Shaoen's lashes trembled as he waited, but all he got was silence.

Pei Ju seemed lost in thought.

Couldn't he think of one?

Xu Shaoen felt a sourness slowly spread, like he'd been doused in lemon juice.

But Pei Ju answered soon enough.

He lowered his head, his fingertips lifting his chin, his voice deep and sure: "Perhaps it was back when we were at the academy."

Back then, he had just arrived in this world, trying to blend in, yet feeling utterly detached.

Where was this? How did he end up in this world? New family, new friends, new career—everything new to deal with.

Until he saw an Omega, the center of attention, standing on the high platform, where, buoyed by surging mist, white threads of spiritual power materialized and spread across the whole chapel.

It was their monthly spiritual power test, where Omegas would cleanse and bless the spirits of all the Alphas at the academy.

The Omega on the platform looked cold and noble, not giving him a single glance.

But the gentle threads of spiritual power brushed over him, as if plucking at his heartstrings.

Oh.

So that was Xu Shaoen, he'd thought at that moment.

And so all the plot became clear—the instant their eyes met, those amber, sparkling eyes, he felt his heart skip a beat.

So on the starship, when he pressed a dagger to his lower back, he raised his hands in surrender; so during the hasty escape, he remembered to drape his coat over the Omega, who looked a bit disheveled; so when he saw him looking pale from hunger, he deliberately left him food...

He had fallen for him countless times, and held himself back countless times, because he was the jewel in the empire's crown, not meant to be set in his plain iron ring.

But he was also incredibly lucky.

He had glimpsed his vulnerability, kissed the tears from his face; he had earned his trust, like a little hedgehog gradually lowering its defenses, showing its soft belly.

He had thrown himself into his arms, wrapped his arms around him, and let him kiss him.

How perfect.

Pei Ju pressed little kisses on him, his damp lips pressing against him, feeling the Omega's breathing turn hot and rapid.

He stared straight at him, his eyes seeming to hold a hazy mist, and also a hint of disbelieving joy.

Pei Ju caught his lower lip between his own, confessing his heart: "I fell for you the first moment I saw you."

All his whimpers were swallowed, teeth knocking together, tongues intertwining, and Xu Shaoen felt as if brilliant fireworks were bursting in his mind, leaving him dizzy and dazed.

He'd fallen for him the moment he saw him.

He'd never heard such sweet, tempting words.

But even if Pei Ju were lying to him, he'd willingly let himself be fooled.

Xu Shaoen closed his eyes.

Perhaps he truly was drunk, completely and utterly drunk.

The ribbon was untied—the gift he had wrapped with his own hands, now being unwrapped by him.

**

His tongue curled, sweet pheromones spreading, trailing downward.

Pei Ju nuzzled him, pressing his lips to his chest.

The heart in that chest pounded hard—for him, only for him.

"I never imagined I'd be so lucky, to find my way into your heart."

The pretty puffy skirt opened, draping over the neatly pressed suit trousers.

Xu Shaoen wrapped his arms around him in return, soft arms encircling his shoulders, teeth sinking deeply into his scent gland.

Xu Shaoen couldn't utter a single word; he only wanted to hold Pei Ju, to let him burrow deep into his heart.

To remember his face, the deeper and hotter, the better.

Pei Ju murmured in his ear: "I love you, I like you. From now on, you can be angry with me whenever you want, scold me, even step on me—that's all fine."

Xu Shaoen trembled, barely able to bear the flood of confessions and pleasure.

"I'm so happy, baby."

He nuzzled his nose against him.

The sweet fragrance of pheromones spilled and spread, filling the entire room with the Omega's scent.

Pei Ju looked dazed, pulling him even closer.

"I love the way you smell, baby."

He brushed his slightly damp bangs back from his forehead, revealing his whole, breathtakingly beautiful face.

"You're so sweet and so beautiful, so handsome and so pretty, your skin so fair..."

Pei Ju listed Xu Shaoen's good points one by one, then kissed the tip of his upturned nose: "I'm just that shallow, baby."

The moment I see you, I like you, I want to hold you—but even more, I want every tear you shed to be from joy and happiness, not a single bitter tear.

Take charge of me—I am yours.

Have you—you're mine too.

I won't be rough with you; I'll cherish you and protect you, but open yourself to me, won't you?

In body and in soul.

He kissed down, his tongue like a hot, darting fish, swallowing every sob whole.

The two were pressed tightly together, as if they meant to plunge together into a boundless abyss.

It was like a door swinging open.

Where are they?

Pei Ju gripped Xu Shaoen's waist, his breath ragged.

Xu Shaoen's eyes widened.

A knot.

Pei Ju... had fully claimed him.

==========Author's Note:==========

If you like it, speak up.

Twenty little red envelopes are up for grabs!!!!