Chapter Three: First Kiss and Promise
They're gone!
Elsa slammed the doll she was holding onto the ground.
He's gone! Brother Huan has disappeared!
Without the main character, what's the point of her elaborate plan?
"Gella! Come to command post immediately!" she yelled through the voice system.
Had they been discovered? Had she underestimated Heng, and her intentions been easily seen through? Otherwise, how could Bisso and China's abilities have prevented them from finding the ring?
They escaped... No, he shouldn't realize so quickly that he was kidnapped! Absolutely!
However, they absolutely cannot be allowed to stay together forever...
Damn it, Brother Loku is away on a mission with his troops, and things there are urgent too, so I can't afford to be distracted for even a second. Now, I have no choice but to use her secret forces.
"Lady Elsa—"
Gellar stood cautiously in the doorway, the commander-in-chief of the clandestine forces and Elsa's most trusted subordinate. The burly man stood in stark contrast to Elsa's petite frame, yet he was remarkably obedient.
Moreover... this was the first time he had ever seen Elsa so furious.
No, it's the second time.
The first time was 22 years ago...
"Go to the human realm immediately and bring our king back! Remember, Huan-gege is still a human without any abilities, and his memories of his past life are sealed away. You absolutely must not utter a word!"
The plan needs to be changed.
"Yes, I'll set off right away!"
"Wait!" Elsa hesitated for a moment. "There might be a huge force blocking his way. You'd better bring a group of elite troops with you, or you must complete the mission by any means necessary, even at the cost of your lives!"
A light rain began to fall outside, and Elsa stood alone in the rain, looking up at the sky and sighing—
Mischievous God, did you really abandon humanity from the very beginning? Or... it seems that in order to complete this "sacred" mission, she should also consider finding a special helper.
...
Seeing a starry night sky seems like a distant memory from my childhood. I don't know when it started, but the sky has become increasingly polluted, gray day and night. Not to mention the stars, even the sun and moon have become blurry.
Looking at the clear sky and breathing in the clean air... Huan once thought she would never have this feeling again in her life.
He and Heng sat back to back on the edge of the cliff, quietly enjoying the moment. He had only casually mentioned wanting to see the stars from his childhood, but he hadn't expected Heng to actually find such a place.
In truth, he never really disliked this person from the very beginning.
It was only because his abnormal behavior alarmed him, and because, according to the perspective Elsa had instilled in him, he shouldn't have developed a sense of trust... It was all just self-imposed limitations.
During the three days he spent with Heng, he finally faced reality and began to consider many things.
All those stances and such were instilled in him by Elsa, weren't they? Yet, that little girl who claimed to be her sister, knowing full well that the enemy was dangerous and powerful, still sent the three of them to their deaths; Loku, who claimed to be his brother, never gave him a kind look, and that expression of disgust and fear was something he could never understand.
Conversely, Heng is completely different.
He trusted him. Although Heng said he couldn't understand and absolutely couldn't accept the idea of a lover, he inexplicably trusted him. Although he could never fall in love with Heng, who was also a man, and didn't know why he deserved such gentle and considerate care... but having this person by his side... was truly wonderful.
It only took him three days to completely believe it. It sounds abrupt, but now he wants to respect his own senses.
"Huan, are you happy being with me?"
"Uh...uh," Huan replied ambiguously.
"Still so dishonest." Heng turned halfway around, his slender fingers gently pinching his chin, gazing confidently into his eyes, as if he could see right through him.
Actually, it wasn't that he wasn't being honest, but rather because... no matter how much he trusted him, the fact that he was part of a tour group wouldn't change. This gentleness was probably reserved only for him. Thinking about this made him feel very complicated—he was somewhat looking forward to this exclusiveness continuing, but if he was here to incite war and sabotage the oil fields, and if other people's lives were worthless in this guy's eyes, how could he openly express his trust?
“Huan—” Heng sighed, released his hand, and turned his back to him again. “Have you thought more deeply about the matter of Bisso and China? Just like Elsa told you, both the supporters and the opponents have their own missions, but maintaining the order of this world and upholding the law is your responsibility, while harboring criminals and expanding our destructive power in this world is our means. But… the ‘King’ of Nobisola rescued them and kept them by his side. Whether they are innocent or not is not the point; the point is that they are recognized criminals by humanity… So… don’t you think that after hundreds of years of covert warfare, the positions of both sides are actually dead in name only? It’s no longer a contest between so-called justice and injustice, but just a war between hostile sides. Companions keep dying, and then they hate each other even more deeply, seeking revenge for their companions… It’s a vicious cycle. That boring god is just coldly watching this mutual slaughter that he himself directed.”
Huan stared at him, speechless. The truth was too profound for him to fully comprehend... but he felt that Heng was right.
So--
Having been dragged into this situation without any standing to begin with, what right do I have to speak?
“Heng—” He suddenly felt a pang of sadness. “Did you kill because your comrades died in battle?”
If that's the case, and if we follow that logic... Heng should kill him now.
A flicker of surprise crossed Heng's face, quickly replaced by that gentle smile. He turned back and gently stroked Huan's hair.
“Have you forgotten? When we made that promise, you said I was very willful. I haven’t changed at all—I have no interest in revenge, nor will I be the male lead in this boring puppet show of God… I was just unlucky to be chosen back then, which doesn’t mean I like killing.”
Although his voice was unusually firm, he couldn't help but feel uneasy... Dislike killing? Well... his cruelty had nothing to do with gods or his companions; he was simply born with a love for bloodshed... But telling a white lie now and then wasn't such a big mistake, at least it made Huan seem happy.
"Promise me something, okay? Don't always try to run away from me, because I want to protect you more than anyone else! And I will take you to see the truth—to prove that this is just a vicious cycle of revenge, and has nothing to do with you! I will make sure that no one can force you!" Heng pressed his advantage.
Forgot? Huan didn't remember making any promises with him before.
but--
"That's wonderful!" He hugged Heng tightly, his eyes sparkling with clear innocence. "I promise you, I won't run away! I'll go with you to see the truth—because I believe in you!"
Like a suspect awaiting trial who has finally been acquitted, tears welled up in my eyes again.
It would be a lie to say he wasn't afraid of death, but his sadness just now far outweighed his fear. Perhaps... he was more afraid that Heng would be the one to kill him.
"Crybaby!" Heng gently licked his tears as he did last time. "I'm going to confiscate all your unhappiness!"
His burning lips slid from his cheeks to the corners of his mouth, precisely covering Huan's lips.
Huan froze, forgetting to cry, even forgetting to refuse. When he finally came to his senses, he instinctively tried to push away the passionate attack with his tongue... but that was exactly what Heng wanted.
Heng's soft tongue, like a snake, pried open his slightly parted lips, invading the entire world inside his mouth. Then, with practiced skill, it intertwined with his tongue, drawing him closer like a magnet, causing him to completely lose consciousness. Waves surged within him, one after another… His eyes slowly closed, and he gave up resisting…
Let's go crazy one more time; at least he doesn't seem to dislike it...
He didn't know how much time had passed, it felt like countless centuries... He slowly opened his eyes, and there was Heng with a mischievous grin in front of him.
"This kiss is my way of repaying your promise."
Heng held his shoulders, and he stood there blankly, one hand awkwardly on his lips... which were still burning hot...
“Who needs your repayment… such skillful technique…” he muttered to himself.
Damn it, my face must be burning red! It's so embarrassing. Why didn't I refuse... why didn't I hate it... am I becoming abnormal too?!
No, it's just making concessions! Making concessions to friends he trusts... He kept emphasizing this to himself.
He's always rejected advances from others, let alone intimacy... He's so awkward... Would Heng laugh at him? But that guy is so adept at it... It's like he's always kissing people... It's so unfair...
"Are you jealous?" Heng interrupted his daydreaming with ill intent. "Did I just get my first kiss?" He pulled off his coat and draped it over his shoulders. "I promise you, I'll only kiss you from now on."
Am I... jealous?
First, I couldn't help myself at the hotel... then I didn't reject his affection under the starlight... I didn't even refuse his kiss... It seems I'm really sick.
Suddenly, I realized that I was no longer as shocked as before, but secretly decided... to follow this person and fulfill my promise under the starlight.
As for this illness, it might get better tomorrow...
The starry sky is still beautiful; a line of poetry suddenly comes to mind—
Nighttime is a continuation of love.
...
We ate Chinese food at the same restaurant in the BL Hotel, and it was Huan who requested it.
Of course, it wasn't entirely voluntary, but here... Heng's occasional strange behavior wouldn't attract attention.
Heng asked for a window seat, even though it was bright and a bit dangerous, because he knew Huan liked to look out at the street through the window.
Huan was somewhat grateful to him, because no matter how small the wish was, Heng would know even if she didn't say it.
...Of course...this has nothing to do with love or anything like that! He tried hard to emphasize this to himself.
It's a rare treat to come to such an exotic city. Even if I can't fully enjoy it, just quietly watching the people coming and going is a kind of compensation.
However, someone in the crowd seemed very familiar—
...
My God! It's a peso!
...
When Bisso and China stood beside him, Huan's head buzzed.
Her eyesight is amazing! She was just walking down the street when she spotted him sitting at a table on the second floor!
He didn't dislike meeting them; in fact, he felt a sense of warmth. After all, they had been taking care of him in their own ways, and being sent to this place was Elsa's idea. It had nothing to do with them; in a way, he was implicated because of him. Yet, they knew the danger but still protected him without complaint...
We should be moved.
But in this situation, he couldn't bring himself to smile.
Because the person sitting opposite him is Heng!
He wasn't blinded by happiness; he hadn't forgotten a single word of Heng's "warning" from back then.
Heng's performance, on the contrary, greatly surprised him... if he had glasses.
Heng invited them to sit down with a smile and kindly added some food for them. The three of them sat there chatting and laughing, as if they had known each other for a long time.
Ah! I see! Bisso and China haven't met Heng!
They didn't know Heng was a member of the tour group!
He's overthinking it.
"We are the housekeeper and maids in Young Master Huan's household."
“Young Master Huan got separated from us while traveling. We searched for him for several days and were almost frantic. Now we can finally give the master an explanation.”
Bisso remained composed, while China wore an expression of relief, making Lian Huan himself feel as if it were truly a case. His acting talent was truly admirable.
"Oh, I see. Your young master doesn't seem to be in good health. I just happened to see him collapse on the roadside and brought him back."
Heng's performance was in no way inferior, and even better.
Huan simply buried his head in his food, letting them do as they pleased. Each of them was a smooth-talking liar, completely unfazed, leaving him speechless. Besides, Heng didn't seem to be plotting anything; he figured Heng was just bluffing. If he let something slip, who knew who would blame him?
"Now that we've found him, let's take him back. That way you can all rest easy, and I can continue my journey," Heng said casually as they finished their meal.
The ring fork fell to the ground with a crisp sound.
"I'm going to the restroom." He turned and left his seat.
Try to keep your tone calm. Turn around so they won't see your pathetic tears. Don't tremble, don't tremble. Quicken your pace so your trembling figure can disappear faster.
Facing the bathroom mirror, Huan realized she was crying even harder than she had imagined, her eyes already brimming with tears.
What happened? Didn't he always want to go back? Initially, he only obeyed because of Heng's threats, not wanting innocent Bisso and China to be in danger... Later, that guy's favor towards him earned his trust, so he did it to fulfill his promise under the starlight...
But now, that guy has allowed it, allowed me to go back. Isn't this what I wanted? Why am I crying! Why am I crying!
But... that guy was so good, so considerate, so gentle. He even made him promise to stay by his side under the starry sky that night... how could he... not want him anymore...?
...I don't want...him anymore...
How could I have such a thought? It's as if I've been abandoned by my lover.
He wasn't his lover; he was the one who rejected him. Because Heng doted on him, he became arrogant and complacent, thinking that it didn't matter if he didn't have to give anything or not be able to love the other person. He selfishly and comfortably enjoyed Heng's tenderness.
If that's the case, then what reason does he have to complain...?
But I'm so unwilling to accept this, unwilling to leave like this...
She'd always been a loner, and her self-protective mechanisms, which involved rejecting everything, were completely shattered after meeting him. All she needed was to be by his side…
For the first time, I realized that being around that guy had become a habit, a very important habit!
But... Heng has already given up on him... He didn't cherish it when he had it... Now he has nothing left...
My body was falling uncontrollably, even the strength to support me was fading, and my consciousness was gradually fading...
...
Gazing at Huan sleeping soundly on the bed, his breathing gradually calmed down. It seemed that carrying some sleeping pills with him was the right thing to do.
However, Heng himself could not calm down.
Bai Tianhuan's reaction surprised and delighted him.
That was just a little trick of his, a way to get those two to stay for one night. If they insisted... at least he wanted to create more time so he wouldn't have to kill them in front of Huan. He didn't want Huan to see his cruelty.
However, Huan's heartbroken expression was something he couldn't shake off.
Huan loved him too, deeply and subconsciously, though he himself was unaware of it. Even with the loss of his memory, when their destined souls met again, this profound bond was something even the power of the gods could not sever.
But he hurt him.
Never again.
"How long do you plan to stand at the door?" Heng stood up, his voice suddenly turning cold and intimidating.
Peso pushed the door open and came in.
"I thought you'd be a little later. Where are your companions?"
“I drugged her; she should be fast asleep right now.” Bisso lowered his voice, trying not to wake Huan, while remaining fully alert. “It’s you, King Noah—”
Heng glanced at Huan, who had also been drugged, and knew she wouldn't be woken up by any means.
"So what if I am? You want to kill me?" He glanced at him contemptuously.
Bisso felt as if his whole body was imprisoned. Just killing intent could achieve this level of power... No, the difference in strength was too great. He knew this clearly, which was why he sent Qina alone to her death... This was something he had to do. For his king, death was nothing to regret.
"Yes." Bisso quickly drew his pistol, the muzzle pointing precisely at Heng's forehead.
Heng Leng smiled coldly.
His hands were trembling. Peso swallowed hard, trying desperately to calm himself down.
This man was legendary to him; back then, he didn't even have the right to glance at him... But today, when he saw the king looking so distraught, he was shocked. The king actually had this side to him, and the only person who could make the king like this was that legendary man.
He was determined to save the king, even if it cost him his own life!
"I think you don't want your right hand anymore," Heng said casually.
In an instant, Peso's right arm fell to the ground with a thud, and blood gushed out.
Peso was horrified. How could this be? That guy was clearly still standing there, doing nothing... A sharp pain shot through his right shoulder. When? How did he do that? So fast I couldn't even see him... Damn it, is the difference really that big?
But... he's not going to give up yet!
He raised his trembling left hand again, holding the gun in one hand, still pointing it directly at Heng—
Heng's gaze fell on him again.
Should I use my left hand this time? Then I'd better strike first!
With a "bang," Peso fired without missing a beat!
but--
When he came to his senses, Heng was casually playing with the still-hot bullet.
He caught it with his bare hands! This monster!
Peso hesitated only slightly before firing several more shots until he ran out of bullets.
He took a deep breath. "Can you catch it this time?"
"Are you done performing?" Heng asked him lazily.
impossible!
All the bullets stopped in perfect formation right in front of him!
How could such a thing happen!
A complete defeat; he had underestimated the king's power. Now he truly regretted not saving a bullet for himself, lest he be disgraced by committing suicide. Dejected, Peso collapsed into a pool of blood.
"Why can't Huan and I be together?" Heng sat down and sighed softly.
“Because…” Bisso paused for a moment, “because you should be our king’s greatest enemy! And you are both men, for the king to do such a thing would bring shame to the entire family! Didn’t you already drive our king to his death once 22 years ago? I will sacrifice my life to save him!”
Evergrande laughed.
"Should? What should I say? When did you become so great that you can dictate who your king's enemies are? So what if they're men? I'm not gay, and neither is Huan! We just happened to fall in love with each other. It's a matter of the soul, and has nothing to do with gender! If you can't love someone who's a man, but you can love someone who's a woman... if you can choose, is it still love?" Heng paused for a moment. "What you call shame is a ridiculous notion, because shame is nothing more than shackles imposed on you by others, and illusions you cling to!"
Seeing Bisso speechless, a trace of desolation flashed in Heng's eyes: "Regarding what happened 22 years ago, only four people actually experienced the whole process. The legends you've heard aren't true. Don't you understand whether I'm lying or not? Didn't you see his expression during the day?"
Damn it, I really want to kill him! Why did he have to bring up something from 22 years ago! He will never forget that scene—when Huan hugged him for the last time, his eyes were still as bright as stars. After expressing his last love, he was prepared to die at the hands of his lover, but he never expected that Huan would choose to take his own life in front of him.
That was his way of expressing his unwavering love, and also his courage to defy the creator god with his life.
"Why? Why did you fall in love..."
Peso's face turned pale. Thinking of his king's appearance during the day... he simply couldn't argue with him.
"For no reason. You can leave now. If possible, I don't want to kill you and China."
"Why!"
Unlike the legendary bloodthirsty maniac, and... he's the enemy.
"He saved you himself, and he would be unhappy if he found out I killed you. That's all." Heng looked at him meaningfully. "The hatred between Noah and Nobisora has nothing to do with outsiders like you. You want to repay the king, but you haven't found a suitable way. That's your true thought, isn't it? But why can't you respect his wishes? Why do you keep asking me why? When Huan saved you back then, he certainly didn't ask himself why—kings are very willful, but we know what love is. If you really want what's best for him, respect his own thoughts, don't restrict him, and let him live the way he wants."
...
Peso slowly stood up, holding his amputated arm, bowed deeply, and turned to leave.
Living life the way he wants, without any constraints... what a willful king.
However, if his king were with this person—
I'm sure I'll be happy.
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