Dawn crept in before Ji Chun realized it. He turned to watch Su Ran sleeping peacefully beside him, then leaned down to press a light kiss to his beautiful face. A profound sense of contentment bloomed in his chest—this quiet happiness was entirely new to him. Moving carefully to avoid disturbing Su Ran, he rose, fetched clean clothes for him, and set them by the bedside before slipping out.
After preparing breakfast, he returned to find Su Ran dressing. The morning light revealed vivid marks scattered across his pale skin. Ji Chun hesitated in the doorway, torn between retreating and staying—until Su Ran glanced over and asked calmly, "Breakfast ready?"
"Mnn," Ji Chun murmured, dropping his gaze. Last night's intimacy left him tense, unsure how to act. His discomfort seemed to amuse Su Ran, whose lips curled in satisfaction. After all, he'd been the one to make the monk break his vows—a fact that filled him with perverse pride. The specifics of their roles mattered little; he had enjoyed himself thoroughly.
Noticing Ji Chun's unease, Su Ran raised a hand, beckoning him closer with a wicked smile. Though wary of being teased, Ji Chun found himself drawn to the bed. As he approached, the marks on Su Ran's body became unmistakably clear. His throat tightened, and he averted his eyes, voice rough. "What... what is it?"
"Why so nervous?" Su Ran chuckled, delighting in the monk's flushed ears. He'd paused mid-dressing, his thin inner robe doing little to conceal his nakedness. "Didn't we do everything already last night?"
Ji Chun's face burned hotter. How could Su Ran speak so boldly in daylight? Last night's recklessness was one thing, but this—!
"Come. Sit." Su Ran patted the mattress.
Taking a steadying breath, Ji Chun obeyed. The moment he settled on the edge, Su Ran leaned in, looping arms around his neck and resting his chin on Ji Chun's shoulder. Warm breath tickled his ear, making his muscles lock. He barely dared to breathe as Su Ran murmured, "From now on, you're mine. You'll obey me."
Ji Chun nodded, the vow settling deep in his bones. He'd made his choice last night—he belonged to Su Ran, now, always and forever.
"Good." Su Ran pulled back just enough to tilt Ji Chun's chin up and brush their lips together. Then, with regal nonchalance, he ordered, "Help me dress."
The kiss left Ji Chun flustered yet yearning. Part of him longed to recreate last night's passion, but daylight and ingrained restraint held him back. Focusing on the task, he dressed Su Ran with deliberate care, hands lingering despite his feigned composure. Last night's darkness had hidden much; now, every touch ignited his fascination with this body.
Su Ran stood, masking his soreness with practiced ease, and strode to the courtyard table where breakfast waited. Ji Chun followed after changing the bedsheets. They ate in silence, the air thick with unspoken change.
"Why..." Ji Chun finally ventured, gaze weighted with reproach, "did you return so late yesterday?"
Su Ran chewed his bun slowly, avoiding eye contact. He couldn't admit he'd stayed out deliberately, still ruffled by the previous night's incident. "Lost track of time training Liang Zheng," he muttered.
Recognizing the evasion, Ji Chun let it drop—but fixed him with solemn intensity. "Next time, tell me before you go out. Please."
That earnest look always undid Su Ran. He nodded grudgingly. "Fine." Then his expression iced over. "What about the lumber in the east room? For a bed, was it?"
Ji Chun stiffened. "I... I was making..." The words tangled in his tongue. How could he explain he'd meant to create distance—before last night rendered it pointless?
Su Ran crossed his arms and fixed Ji Chun with a glacial stare. "If sharing a bed displeases you, then build your own. I won't interfere."
"No," Ji Chun replied quickly. After last night, he wanted no distance between them. "The bed... the bed...It's for the child," he blurted.
Su Ran stiffened. "What?" His hand flew to his swollen belly before he sneered, "Child? It's a monster at best."
Ji Chun's face darkened. The physician had confirmed the infant was normal—how could Su Ran speak of their own flesh with such venom? "He's just an ordinary child. Not a monster."
"Easy for you to claim," Su Ran snapped, rising to his full height. "He isn't tearing your body apart." His voice dripped with contempt.
Ji Chun stood abruptly, blocking Su Ran's path. His jaw clenched, eyes burning with reproach. They'd only just bridged the gap between them—must Su Ran shatter this fragile peace? "He's your child," he grounded out.
"I don't have children!" Su Ran's shout cracked through the courtyard. "I'm a man! This—" he jabbed at his abdomen, "—is an abomination I'll be rid of soon enough!"
The fury drained from Ji Chun as he studied Su Ran: the proud Demonic Cult Leader, exiled to this remote village, his body distorted by forces beyond his control. Regret pooled in his chest—why push this now? Perhaps time would soften Su Ran's heart. "My apologies," he murmured. "I spoke out of turn."
Su Ran scoffed. "Three days. Finish that bed and move to the east room."
Ji Chun's protest died unspoken. After baring his soul last night, this decree felt like a blade between his ribs. Yet... perhaps separation would ease Su Ran's distress. "As you wish," he conceded quietly.
The agreement only angered Su Ran's ire. Foolish monk! He stormed out, leaving Ji Chun to scrub dishes with grim determination. He'd make amends—the pregnancy surely exacerbated Su Ran's temper. A plan formed as he worked: he'd—
Knocking interrupted his thoughts. At the gate stood Liang Zheng, Su Ran's young apprentice, had come for martial arts training. Ji Chun ushered the boy inside, fetching him sweets before slipping into the bedroom.
There, Su Ran lounged on the recliner, a book draped over his face. Guilt pricked Ji Chun—had last night's passions overtaxed him? He lifted the book gently from Su Ran's face. "Rest. I'll oversee Liang Zheng today."
Su Ran rubbed his eyes and stood. "Unnecessary." He brushed past Ji Chun, his teacher's demeanor snapping into place as he addressed the waiting child. "We train in the yard today."
"Greetings, Shizun!" Liang Zheng bowed deeply, frozen until Su Ran strode outside.
"Demonstrate yesterday's forms. Hold each for an incense stick's time," Su Ran ordered, settling on the porch to observe.
Meanwhile, Ji Chun retreated to the east room. The rasp of his saw blended with the boy's exertion grunts and Su Ran's occasional corrections—a dissonant harmony of avoidance and duty.