The X Guide-Chapter 78: Body Heat (2)

The next day, Devion woke up later than usual. He just opened his eyes when he noticed he was not the only one left in the room.

Ayen remained inside the room, staring at Devion. He decided to take a day off. He would soon be transferred, and so there was no need to work hard.

Their eyes met in an instant. Devion merely stared at him for a few seconds, and Ayen let him look without saying a word.

"Where’s Khal?"

"He’s downstairs."

"Doing what? Cooking?"

Ayen nodded. Khal insisted on doing so. Although he was not one to always cook, it was not that he did not know how. Simple dishes were doable.

"I see."

Devion sat and leaned on the headboard. Every time the curse kicked in, he often felt so weak for a few days. The miracle water from the jar might have stabilized him and let the blood he had lost quickly recover; it was never an instant process.

"He said... I have to watch over you."

Devion almost rolled his eyes at the excuse. But then again, Khal was truly the type to not leave Devion alone after the curse manifested.

However, that was on the premise that he was the one watching Devion. Now, he actually let Ayen do it. His actions were surprising and definitely had a meaning.

Something Ayen also understood. Ayen bit his lips, seeing Devion’s actions. He felt relieved inside.

He was quite anxious when he was waiting for Devion to wake up. Ayen had no clue what would happen or how to act. It seemed he worried too much; Devion still acted the same.

"He wanted us to talk. Alone." Devion had confirmed Ayen’s suspicions. He also agreed.

Khal had not returned since he left earlier. How long was he cooking there? Three hours? There was no way that he was cooking something that needed that long.

"Hah." Devion sighed and brushed his hair until it became messy. "Let me wash up first?"

"Go ahead," Ayen agreed. His heart settled down after hearing Devion’s easygoing tone.

Though it might not be his real feelings, Devion was at least trying. So, Ayen also wanted to try expressing more, even if it was not easy.

Devion returned not long after. His hair was still wet as he dried it with his towel.

Ayen stood up. "Let me dry it for you."

Devion paused and watched Ayen take the hairdryer from his bag. This was one of the essentials he had packed from the dorm. Most of them never let their hair stay wet for long after a shower because of the cold.

Ayen walked towards Devion, who was already sitting on the bed, waiting for him. There was no exchange of words for a moment. Ayen was drying Devion’s hair as his hands brushed on the strands.

The warmth and Ayen’s touch made Devion a little sleepy. In his state, he was lazier and prone to sleeping quite a lot. It was like his body wanted to recover through that.

The sounds of the hairdryer dominated the whole room until Devion’s hair was fully dry.

Ayen turned off the hairdryer, but his hands continued to play around the strands of Devion’s hair. Devion leaned on his abdomen, enjoying the careful touch.

"I have a demon curse." Devion suddenly spoke, causing Ayen’s fingers to pause before he resumed what he was doing as he listened. "It corrupts the mind and my sense of self."

Devion looked at his hands.

"Last night, I kept thinking if it’s fair to involve you and let you know about the curse. I want to act as if nothing happened." Devion somehow thought of that, but this morning, he had to admit that it would not work.

"Then if I kept it from you, that would be more unfair. Ayen, I’m sick in the head. That’s the truth. Khal can put up with me because... He once loved me." Devion looked up. "I knew that you suffered enough, and if you chose to get involved with me... it will not be easy."

Devion laid out the utmost sincerity in his words. He had already noticed Ayen’s life was not smooth sailing thus far, and after knowing his past, he became even more convinced.

Strictly speaking, they had only known for a little over a month; Ayen did not need to get involved far deeper than necessary. He could still guide them, without knowing their dark sides.

If Ayen chose to get involved after this... Then, he acknowledged the changes it brought. He was truly entering their world.

Ayen was prepared. Since they went to the next stage of guiding, he had expected this to happen. The connection between them became deeper after what happened that night... The time they had known each other was not that important anymore.

"Getting involved with me isn’t easy, either," Ayen responded, making Devion smile. "I’m not joking."

Devion’s smile widened, and he nodded sheepishly.

"I know."

Devion wrapped his arms around Ayen and scooped him up until Ayen straddled his lap. Ayen was taken aback at first, but he soon settled and sat directly on Devion’s lap.

The intimate position was a first, making Ayen not move much. It was awkward; Devion had noticed it too, but this position let them have a better look at each other.

"I realized. All of us are a trouble."

Ayen narrowed his eyes.

Devion chuckled and leaned his forehead on Ayen’s shoulder.

"Be honest. Do you really choose to get involved with us?"

Ayen reached out and poked Devion’s cheek as he whispered.

"If I’m not willing, we’ll never reach this stage."

If Ayen did not want to truly get involved, the first guiding session would not happen at all. Deep inside, Ayen wanted to try, and so the dreams plagued him.

He only became honest, and everything led to this point. Whether that choice led to more unexpected changes, Ayen welcomed them in his own twisted desires.

Devion did not respond, only tightened his hold on Ayen.

Once they were done, they decided to go downstairs. Ayen then watched as Devion practically jumped into Khal’s waiting arms, and the two hugged each other.

"I’m sorry," Devion whispered, but loud enough for Ayen to hear. "I’m really sorry."

Khal took a deep breath of Devion’s scent and kissed his head countless times. Words did not need to be said. Khal’s eyes then landed on Ayen.

He smiled and mouthed, "Come here."

Ayen paused, but in the end, he chose to walk towards them. Their warmth quickly enveloped him.