Seeing Allen cry, Arvin looked a bit panicked. He stepped closer. "Why are you crying? Did I hurt you? Did I say something wrong?"
Allen shook his head vigorously while sobbing softly. "No! You didn't hurt me... sob... I just... I feel happy and relieved. Relieved because my feelings for you aren't unrequited!"
Hearing that, Arvin's expression softened. He didn't answer but walked to the bed and lay down there, staring at the room's ceiling decorated with classic paintings.
"I feel the same as you, Allen. Relieved because you finally know." Arvin murmured.
He turned his body to the side, propping his head up with one hand, then looked at Allen who was still standing stiffly in the middle of the room while wiping away tears.
"Come here and lie down here!" Arvin requested while patting the empty space beside him.
Allen hesitated for a moment, but the urge in his heart was stronger. He walked closer, climbed onto the soft bed, and slowly lay down facing Arvin. The distance between their faces was so close that Allen could feel Arvin's warm breath.
Unexpectedly, Arvin's hand reached out. His thumb wiped away the remaining tears at the corner of Allen's eye with a very gentle movement, far different from his cold and arrogant image.
How happy Allen was to be treated gently by the person he loved. His heart felt full. Unconsciously, Allen emboldened himself. He took Arvin's hand that was on his face, held it there, and placed his left cheek against that warm palm.
Allen closed his eyes, rubbing his face slowly against Arvin's palm like a spoiled cat. He enjoyed every texture of the skin and the warmth spreading to his face.
"If you want, from now on you can sleep with me in the dorm later." Arvin whispered.
Allen's eyes opened slowly, staring full of hope. "When sleeping with you, may I hug you?"
Arvin chuckled softly. "As long as you don't kiss me or do things that force me to make a life-and-death contract with you right now, I don't mind. But remember, you must try to do what I said! Focus on your power."
Allen nodded enthusiastically, a wide smile blooming on his still-wet face. Without waiting a second longer, he scooted closer, closing the distance between them, and wrapped his arms around Arvin's body tightly. He buried his face in Arvin's chest, inhaling the calming masculine scent.
"Why are you hugging me this tight immediately?" Arvin asked, though his hands embraced Allen's back in return.
"I really wanted this!" Allen answered honestly, his voice muffled in Arvin's chest. "In the dorm, I almost went crazy because I was always thinking about you! That's why I recklessly followed you out of the dorm today!"
Arvin's heart melted hearing that. He stroked Allen's soft hair with affection.
I'm sure he must have really missed affection from someone, Arvin thought with pity. For years, he has always lived alone, considered nothing, and insulted. It's natural if he is so thirsty for warmth.
"If you are serious about being with me forever, strive to awaken your dormant power, Allen. That is the only key!" Arvin whispered again right in Allen's ear.
Allen looked up slightly. "I promise! I will awaken that power, whatever it takes, and become yours forever!"
Their gazes locked. Allen went back to admiring every inch of Arvin's face, marveling at the perfect features before him.
"May I stroke your face?" Allen asked hesitantly.
"I already told you, didn't I? As long as it's not a kiss or something that triggers the contract, do as you please!" Arvin permitted resignedly.
With hands trembling from nervousness and happiness, Allen touched Arvin's cheek. His fingers traced Arvin's handsome skin, then stroked his cheek gently and paused for a moment as his thumb touched Arvin's lower lip.
"I really want to be yours. Forever, I want to be with you..." Allen murmured.
To defuse the atmosphere that was becoming increasingly intense and dangerous for his self-control, Arvin changed the topic.
"By the way... can you cook?"
Allen's eyes sparkled. "I can cook! Very well! Do you want me to cook something for you?" he answered enthusiastically. It was the one thing he was confident he could do well.
"Good! As soon as possible, I want to enjoy your cooking. I'm bored with restaurant food." Arvin said with a smile.
Unsurpassed happiness was felt by Allen. Accepted, needed, and embraced. He buried his face back into Arvin's chest, then gripped the fabric on Arvin's back very tightly.
He tried to hold back his exploding emotions. He even gritted his teeth because he was holding back the feeling of happiness mixed with such a great desire to possess.
Cruch!
The sound of teeth grinding was clearly audible to Arvin. Arvin understood perfectly the meaning of that action. It was the expression of someone holding back with all their might.
You must really want to possess me right now, don't you? Be patient, Allen. I will wait for you.
Arvin tightened his embrace, letting Allen vent his emotions in silence until satisfied within his arms. He rubbed Allen's back with a soothing rhythm, letting Allen's physical and mental exhaustion slowly take over.
Moments later, the room became silent. Only the ticking of the wall clock and the soft crackling of the fireplace could be heard.
When Arvin peeked down, it turned out Allen was already fast asleep in his arms. His breathing was regular, and his face looked very peaceful, as if all the burdens of his life had vanished.
Arvin smiled faintly seeing that sleeping face. However, he realized he couldn't stay in this position continuously because his body felt sticky after a day of activity. Since it was already late afternoon approaching evening, he had to shower immediately.
With very slow movements so as not to wake the exhausted young man, Arvin released his embrace on Allen and rose from the bed.
After ensuring Allen slept in a comfortable position, Arvin stripped off his clothes one by one until there were no clothes left on his body. And without looking back, he walked straight toward the bathroom, leaving Allen sound asleep in his beautiful dream.