Obsessed with a High-Ranking Esper (BL)-Chapter 144: Birthday cake

Yu Xi glanced at Jian Ci, who was sprawled comfortably across his bed, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he replied smoothly, "Where else would I be?"

Yu Xi chuckled softly, the corners of his lips twitching.

"Little Xi," Jian Wei said firmly, "don’t let him take over your room."

Jian Ci turned his head lazily, his grin sharp. "Too late. I sleep here now."

Yu Xi chuckled again, because no lies had been told. Jian Ci had indeed been sleeping there every night. The reason was simple: when Jian Ci tried to sleep in his own bed, he was restless, tossing and turning until dawn. He barely slept, and by morning he looked like a zombie, drained and hollow-eyed.

Yu Xi had noticed and asked him one evening, "Why not just sleep in my room?" 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

After that invitation, how could Jian Ci refuse? Since then, he had been sleeping over every night, finding peace only in Yu Xi’s presence.

Jian Wei rolled his eyes dramatically, his tone dripping with impatience. "Yu Xi, did you like the gift I sent you?"

Yu Xi nodded, his voice calm and sincere. "Yeah, I love it. Thanks."

It wasn’t just Jian Wei. Jian Rui and Eros had also sent him a gift. Both had chosen to send starcoins, and the amount wasn’t small. It was practical, generous, and showed their care in their own way.

Xiaobao wasn’t amused with Jian Wei’s intrusion. "You are hijacking my call with my brother, senior. Call him on your own communicator."

Jian Wei threw up his hands. "See, see, see? Your sister fucking hates me."

Xiaobao smirked. "Hate? Nah. I love you, senior."

Jian Wei snorted, unconvinced, and walked away muttering under his breath.

Yu Xi sighed, his tone gentle. "Be more nice to him."

Xiaobao rolled her eyes but relented. "Fine."

Soon the call ended, leaving the room quiet. Yu Xi turned his gaze toward Jian Ci, who was lounging nearby. "What’s this?" he asked, noticing the box.

Jian Ci sat up suddenly. "Oh, shit," he muttered, scrambling to open it. Inside was a small, plain cake—nothing extravagant, but thoughtful.

He lit the candle carefully, the flame flickering between them. "Let me sing for you," Jian Ci said, his grin boyish.

Yu Xi smiled, his gaze never leaving Jian Ci’s face. "Okay."

Jian Ci began the birthday song, his voice off-key, uneven. But to Yu Xi, it was the most heavenly sound in the world because it was sung by the man of his dreams.

When the song ended, Jian Ci leaned forward, his voice warm and teasing. "Blow the candle, Little Xi."

Yu Xi bent toward the flame, but Jian Ci’s hand suddenly blocked him. "Wait. Did you make a wish?"

Yu Xi blinked, startled. "Oh..." He closed his eyes, his lashes trembling against his cheeks. For a moment, silence filled the room. He didn’t know what to wish for. What he truly wanted was something no one could grant him. Still, he made his wish. I wish Jian Ci would love me one day.

When he opened his eyes again, Jian Ci was watching him closely. "Did you make a wish?"

Yu Xi nodded softly. "Yeah."

"Don’t tell me," Jian Ci said with a grin. "Lest it doesn’t come true." He moved his hand away. "You can blow it out now."

Yu Xi leaned forward, his breath extinguishing the small flame. The room dimmed slightly, leaving only the warmth between them.

"Happy birthday to my one and only best friend," Jian Ci said, his tone light but sincere.

Yu Xi chuckled, his heart aching with unspoken feelings. "Thank you... to my one and only best friend."

Jian Ci reached for the butter knife, cutting a neat slice of the small cake. Placing it carefully on a plate, he handed it to Yu Xi

"Here," Jian Ci said softly.

Yu Xi accepted it with a smile. "Thanks."

He looked down at the cake Jian Ci had placed before him, his chest tightening with a strange warmth. It was the first birthday cake he had ever received in his life, and the weight of that realization made the moment feel heavier than the small, plain confection suggested. He lifted the fork and took a bite, Jian Ci’s gaze fixed on him with anticipation.

The texture was dense rather than airy, the kind of cake that grounded rather than lifted. A faint bitterness from the dark cocoa lingered on his tongue, balanced by a restrained sweetness that felt almost austere. There was a subtle undertone of roasted nuts, earthy and warm, while the frosting was thin, lightly salted, carrying a tang that cut through the richness. It wasn’t decadent, but it was sincere, a quiet gesture wrapped in simplicity.

Jian Ci leaned forward, his eyes glinting. "Do you like it?"

Yu Xi nodded, taking another bite. "Mm, it’s really good."

A grin spread across Jian Ci’s face. "It was made by yours truly."

Yu Xi blinked in surprise. "You made it?"

Jian Ci picked up a piece for himself, chewing with satisfaction. "Yeah. I tried buying you one, but most cakes are too sweet. I knew you wouldn’t like them."

Yu Xi tilted his head, realization dawning. "Is that what you had been up to?"

Jian Ci smirked, his voice low but playful. "Maybe. You are worth the effort, Little Xi."

Yu Xi’s heart skipped, the taste of the cake suddenly sweeter than before.

Jian Ci chuckled, his tone light and teasing. "Yep, that’s why I wasn’t studying. I was trying to make you a cake you would like."

Yu Xi’s lips curved into a soft smile, his voice sincere. "Thank you. I love it so much."

Jian Ci leaned back, his grin widening. "From now on, I will make it for you each year on your birthday. No exceptions."

Yu Xi laughed quietly, his gaze warm.

"You are so sweet, you know that?"

Jian Ci’s eyes turned into happy slits, his expression glowing with satisfaction. "Oh, I also brought you this." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box, placing it gently in Yu Xi’s hands. " Happy birthday."

Yu Xi set down his plate, curiosity sparking as he opened the box. Inside lay a pendant, identical to the ones worn by the Jian Brothers. His breath caught. This was no ordinary trinket.

It was a high-tech device from Virelia, designed to locate its bearer in emergencies. The pendants were synched, meaning if either of them were in trouble, even in the most remote corners of Orion Drift, they would be able to find each other.

Yu Xi’s fingers brushed over the cool surface, his heart tightening. It was similar to the one his mother had given him, but this one was far more advanced. It could reach across planets, even those crippled by failing technology.

He looked up at Jian Ci, his voice quiet but full of meaning. "This..."

Jian Ci only smiled, his eyes shining with unspoken affection.