AN: So sorry for the delay. I hope you are enjoying your Sunday. Happy reading.
***
Yu Xi's heart thudded softly in his chest, a steady rhythm that betrayed his calm exterior. He leaned in, feigning interest in the communicator's interface, but his gaze kept slipping, drawn not to the pulsing lights or the sleek alloy band, but to Jian Ci himself.
Jian Ci's eyes, dark and unreadable, held him captive. His voice was a current, smooth and low, pulling Yu Xi deeper into a place he didn't understand and didn't dare to.
"Did you get that?" Jian Ci asked, tilting his head.
Yu Xi blinked. "No."
Jian Ci raised an eyebrow. "No?"
Yu Xi looked down at his wrist, then back up. "I wasn't… I didn't catch it."
Jian Ci studied him for a moment, then exhaled softly. "Alright, I will explain again."
He leaned closer, and Yu Xi's breath caught. The scent of amber and vanilla clung to Jian Ci's skin. It was warm, comforting and sweet. The proximity made it worse... or better... or both.
