Don't love me anymore

Morning light slanted in through the half-drawn curtains, drawing a golden line across the bedsheets. Si Qi opened his eyes and found Shao Wei, in his arms, awake, watching him quietly. Those eyes, always as calm as a deep pool, now shimmered, like the first rays of sunlight finally reflecting off a frozen lake.

"Good morning." Si Qi's voice was hoarse, and his fingers gently brushed the faint dark circles under Shao Wei's eyes. "Did you sleep well?"

Shao Wei nodded slightly, his movements very gentle, as if he was afraid to disturb the tranquility of the moment. His eyes wandered over Si Qi's face, from his brow to his chin, as if he was reacquainting this familiar face. Si Qi let him look at him, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously curled up.

"What's wrong?" he asked in a low voice, stroking the bandage on Shao Wei's wrist with his thumb.

Shao Wei lowered his eyelashes, his voice as light as a feather falling to the ground: "...You are still here."

Those three words, like a knife, gently pierced Si Qi's heart. He recalled Shao Wei's broken sobs last night, his trembling voice as he said, "I'm afraid this is all a dream." This Alpha, seemingly aloof and self-possessed to outsiders, was actually so insecure inside.

"Of course I'm here." Si Qi hugged him tighter, and put his lips on Shao Wei's forehead. "Not only now, but I'll be here every day from now on."

Shao Wei's body stiffened slightly, but he didn't flinch as usual. He slowly relaxed, resting his forehead on Si Qi's shoulder. His breath brushed against Si Qi's collarbone, warm and real.

"Are you hungry?" Si Qi asked, his fingers entwined with a strand of Shao Wei's black hair.

Shao Wei shook his head, then paused and nodded. This contradictory reaction made Si Qi laugh.

"Are you hungry?"

"...A little bit." Shao Wei admitted, his voice so soft that it was almost inaudible.

"I'll make breakfast." Si Qi made a move to get up, but Shao Wei grabbed his wrist.

"Another...five minutes." Shao Wei didn't look up, but the tips of his ears turned red.

Si Qi's heart softened. He lay back down, pulling Shao Wei into his arms, his chin resting on the top of his head. Sunlight gradually crept up the foot of the bed, casting a golden hue on their intertwined legs.

During those few quiet minutes, Si Qi could feel Shao Wei's heartbeat gradually syncing with his own. He recalled the first time he'd met Shao Wei—at a university business competition, that Alpha, standing in the corner, outshining everyone else. Shao Wei was just as quiet then, but a gleam of unyielding determination lurked in his eyes. Si Qi had never imagined that years later, this Alpha would curl up in his arms with such dependence.

Finally, Siqi's stomach broke the silence, making a loud protest. Shao Wei raised his head, a barely perceptible smile flashing in his eyes.

"Well, it looks like someone is hungry." Si Qi smiled and sat up, stretching, "What do you want to eat?"

Shao Wei hesitated for a moment: "...blueberry muffins?"

This answer warmed Si Qi's heart. Last time, the pancakes he made were burnt black as charcoal, but Shao Wei silently finished the whole plate. Now that he took the initiative to ask for it, it was undoubtedly a silent affirmation.

"Yes, sir." Si Qi leaned over and kissed the tip of his nose, then got out of bed and walked towards the bathroom.

When he finished washing up and came out, Shao Wei was already dressed and standing by the window. The sunlight filtered through his white shirt, outlining his thin features. The bandage on his wrist was particularly glaring. Si Qi walked over and put his arm around his waist from behind, feeling Shao Wei's momentary stiffness and then his quick relaxation.

"Does it hurt?" Si Qi asked softly, his fingers gently stroking the bandage.

Shao Wei shook his head, then turned to face Si Qi. His eyes were a transparent gray in the sunlight, like the sky after rain. Si Qi noticed that his gaze fell on the Band-Aid on his left hand—the wound he accidentally cut while making pancakes yesterday.

"You too," Shao Wei said, lightly touching the Band-Aid with his fingers. "Does it hurt?"

Si Qi shook his head and held Shao Wei's hand: "It's a minor injury."

The two looked at each other for a moment, a silent understanding passing through their gazes. Then Shao Wei did something that made Si Qi's heart beat faster—he stood on tiptoe and placed a kiss on Si Qi's lips, as light as a butterfly's wing.

"Thank you." Shao Wei said in a low voice, then quickly turned and walked towards the door, his ears red.

Si Qi froze in place, his fingers unconsciously touching his lips. This simple kiss was more powerful than any flowery confession. He quickly caught up with Shao Wei and grabbed his hand at the corner of the stairs.

"You're welcome." Si Qi said seriously, clasping his fingers together. "You can thank me like this every day from now on."

Shao Wei's ears turned even redder, but he didn't pull his hand away. They walked down the stairs hand in hand, startling the housekeeper who was setting the table so much that he almost dropped his plate.

In the kitchen, Si Qi donned an apron and began preparing breakfast. This time, he was extra careful, following the recipe exactly, not rushing into things as he had been last time. Shao Wei leaned against the doorframe, watching him, a gentle light in his eyes.

"Won't you help?" Si Qi raised his eyebrows and deliberately got flour all over his hands.

Shao Wei shook his head, the corners of his mouth slightly raised: "I want to see how you mess up."

"Wow, Mr. Shao has learned to joke." Si Qi widened his eyes exaggeratedly, "Is the world going to end?"

Shao Wei's eyes curved into crescents, and though the smile was fleeting, it was enough to make Si Qi's heart skip a beat. He continued to work on the batter, occasionally stealing glances at Shao Wei. The sunlight streaming in through the kitchen window gilded Shao Wei's face, making him look less cold and distant than usual, and instead more lively.

When the pancakes finally came out of the pan, Siqi proudly showed off the results - golden and soft, dotted with popped blueberries, and the aroma filled the entire kitchen.

"Try it." He cut off a small piece and handed it to Shao Wei's lips.

Shao Wei hesitated for a moment, then opened his mouth slightly to accept the food. His eyelashes fluttered slightly as he chewed, and Si Qi watched in fascination.

"How is it?" Si Qi asked expectantly.

"...delicious." Shao Wei said softly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, "Great progress."

Si Qi grinned: "I practiced it specially for you."

This sentence made Shao Wei's ears red again. He lowered his head to continue eating the pancake, but Si Qi noticed that the corners of his mouth kept that slight upward arc.

After breakfast, the two sat on the sofa in the sunroom, processing work emails. Shao Wei rested his laptop on his knees, his fingers tapping rapidly on the keyboard. Si Qi would occasionally look up from his papers at him, captivated by his profile in the sunlight.

"What are you looking at?" Shao Wei suddenly asked, his eyes still fixed on the screen.

"Look at you." Si Qi admitted frankly, "You look much better than the report."

Shao Wei's fingers paused for a moment, then continued typing, but Si Qi noticed that the tips of his ears had turned red again. This small reaction fascinated Si Qi - the expressionless Shao Wei would now be shy because of a simple love word.

At noon, the doorbell rang. The housekeeper went to answer it and returned with a strange look on his face.

"Sir, it's someone from the Shao family...who wants to see Mr. Shao."

The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees in an instant. Shao Wei's body stiffened noticeably, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. Si Qi closed his laptop, his face grim.

"Let them in." He said coldly, "I just have something to say."

A moment later, the old steward of the Shao family came in with two bodyguards. When the old steward saw Shao Wei, he bowed slightly, but his eyes were full of condescending scrutiny.

"Young Master, the Master has sent me to take you back." The old butler's voice was respectful but unyielding. "Your... condition has caused the family great concern."

Shao Wei's expression returned to its usual calm, but Si Qi could see the slight trembling in his fingertips. "I'm fine," he replied briefly.

"Master, your behavior last night—"

"What behavior?" Si Qi interrupted him, standing up and blocking Shao Wei. "Is taking care of your spouse an unforgivable sin?"

The old housekeeper looked embarrassed: "Mr. Si, this is the Shao family's family affair..."

"Shao Wei is my family now." Si Qi's voice was as cold as ice. "His business is my business."

The old butler seemed caught off guard by Si Qi's assertiveness and was momentarily speechless. The two bodyguards behind him stepped forward, emitting the oppressive pheromones of an Alpha. Si Qi sneered and released his own pheromones in response. The pressure of a top-tier Alpha instantly filled the room, and the two bodyguards' expressions changed, unconsciously taking a half step back.

"Go back and tell Mr. Shao," Si Qi said word by word, "Shao Wei is under my care now. If he really cares about his son, he should respect his choice."

The old butler's expression changed again and again, and finally he bowed: "I will convey it." He looked at Shao Wei, "Master, the master is very disappointed."

These words were like a knife, piercing Shao Wei's most vulnerable spot with pinpoint accuracy. Si Qi saw Shao Wei's fingers clenching the armrest of the sofa, his knuckles turning white.

"Get out." Si Qi was completely furious, his pheromones sweeping through the room like a storm. "If you dare to harass him again, I will bankrupt Shaw Enterprises within a month. If you don't believe me, try it yourself."

The old housekeeper's face turned pale as he hurriedly left with his men. After the door closed, Si Qi immediately turned around to check on Shao Wei's condition. Shao Wei's face was as pale as paper, his breathing was rapid, and his eyes flashed with emotions that Si Qi could not understand.

"It's okay." Si Qi squatted in front of him and held his cold hand. "They won't come again."

Shao Wei shook his head, his voice hoarse: "You don't know my father... He won't give up."

"Let him come." Si Qi said firmly, "I won't let anyone hurt you, including your family."

A trace of pain flashed in Shao Wei's eyes: "Why... do you protect me like this? I'm not worthy..."

"Whether it's worth it or not is up to me." Si Qi held his face in his hands. "Shao Wei, look at me. You are not the 'defective Alpha' they are talking about. You are the strongest and most outstanding person I have ever met."

Shao Wei's eyelashes trembled, and a tear silently fell. Si Qi wiped it away gently with his thumb, then kissed his forehead.

"Would you like to go for a walk in the garden?" Si Qi suggested. "The sun is shining brightly."

Shao Wei nodded and let Si Qi lead him toward the back garden. The May sun was warm but not scorching, and the roses in the garden were in full bloom. As they walked side by side along the gravel path, Shao Wei's breathing gradually calmed.

"It's beautiful here." Shao Wei suddenly said, looking at a bunch of blooming blue roses.

Si Qi smiled: "If you like, we can come every day."

Shao Wei stopped and turned to Si Qi: "You have changed."

"Um?"

"You used to... you wouldn't say things like that." Shao Wei's voice was soft. "You couldn't make breakfast, you couldn't take people for walks, you couldn't... protect anyone."

Si Qi thought for a moment, then nodded: "You're right, I've changed." He took Shao Wei's hand and placed it on his chest, "Because of you."

A glimmer flashed in Shao Wei's eyes, like water flowing under the ice. He looked down at their clasped hands and slowly tightened his fingers.

"Siqi," he asked softly, "If... I mean if, one day I... collapse again, will you still..."

"Yes." Si Qi answered without hesitation, "No matter how many times, I will catch you."

Shao Wei looked up at him, a strange blend of fragility and strength in his eyes. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on his face. Si Qi couldn't help but lean over and gently kiss him on the lips. The kiss was gentle yet firm, devoid of lust, a simple promise.

When they parted, Shao Wei's eyes gleamed with a light Si Qi had never seen before. He took Si Qi's hand and continued walking along the path. Neither of them spoke, but the silence was no longer filled with the estrangement it once was, but instead felt comfortable and intimate.

In the evening, the two returned to their study to work separately. Si Qi would occasionally look up at Shao Wei, finding his profile, focused on his work, particularly charming. When the afterglow of the setting sun streamed in through the window, Shao Wei suddenly closed his computer and walked over to Si Qi.

"What's wrong?" Si Qi asked, looking up at him.

Shao Wei hesitated for a moment, then did something that surprised Si Qi—he slowly knelt on the carpet and rested his head on Si Qi's knees. This posture was so submissive, so dependent, it didn't seem like something an Alpha would do.

Si Qi's heart softened. He gently stroked Shao Wei's black hair, feeling the soft touch of the hair between his fingers.

"Tired?" he whispered.

Shao Wei shook his head, then whispered, "I just want to... be close to you."

These words melted slowly in Si Qi's heart like a piece of candy. He continued to stroke Shao Wei's hair, watching the sunset outside the window gradually sink into the horizon.

"What do you want to eat for dinner?" Si Qi asked.

"You can do anything." Shao Wei's voice was unusually soft.

Si Qi smiled: "You trust my cooking skills so much?"

"Yeah." Shao Wei nodded gently, "I believe you."

These three words moved Si Qi's heart more than any flowery confession. He leaned over and placed a kiss on the top of Shao Wei's head, deciding to make a perfect dinner tonight.

As night fell, the two sat in the restaurant and enjoyed a steak cooked by Si Qi. Shao Wei cut off a small piece, put it in his mouth, chewed it carefully, and then gave it the evaluation of "delicious". Si Qi knew that the word "delicious" from Shao Wei was equivalent to the ordinary people's "too delicious".

After dinner, the two sat in front of the fireplace in the living room. Shao Wei, who rarely took the initiative, leaned on Si Qi's shoulder. The firelight from the fireplace danced on his face, adding a touch of redness to his usually pale skin.

"Where do you want to go tomorrow?" Si Qi asked, his fingers wrapped around Shao Wei's.

"Anywhere is fine." Shao Wei replied softly, "As long as I'm with you."

Si Qi's heartbeat quickened. Such sweet words coming from Shao Wei moved him more than any sweet words from an Omega. He lowered his head and kissed Shao Wei's forehead, feeling the warmth of the person in his arms.

Late at night, the two returned to their bedroom. Shao Wei stood by the bed, hesitated, and then began to unbutton his shirt. Si Qi noticed that his movements were a little stiff, knowing that he was shy about showing those scars.

"Do you want me to turn around?" Si Qi asked considerately.

Shao Wei shook his head and continued unbuttoning. As the shirt slipped off, Si Qi saw the crisscrossing scars—old wounds on his back, new wounds on his chest, each one a tale of silent pain. But tonight, Shao Wei didn't quickly retreat under the covers as usual. Instead, he stood there, letting Si Qi see.

"Very beautiful." Si Qi said softly, walking closer to him, "Every scar is a part of you, I love them all."

A flicker of disbelief flashed across Shao Wei's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a tenderness. He slowly raised his hand and helped Si Qi remove his shirt. The two of them stood naked facing each other in the dim light, gazing at each other's bodies—imperfect, but real.

As the two of them lay down in bed, Shao Wei took the initiative to lean into Si Qi's arms. His head rested on Si Qi's shoulder, and his breathing gradually became steady. Si Qi hugged him, feeling the weight and warmth of the person in his arms, and an unprecedented sense of satisfaction surged in his heart.

"Good night, Shao Wei." He said softly.

In a half-asleep state, Shao Wei replied, "Good night, Siqi." Then, before falling asleep, he added softly, "...I love you."

These two words were like a shooting star, streaking through Si Qi's heart. He tightened his arms and hugged Shao Wei even tighter, as if he wanted to melt him into his bones and blood.

Outside the window, a bright moon hung high, casting a silvery glow. On this quiet night, two wounded Alphas slept in each other's arms, like lone wolves who had finally found their home.