Yu Xi arched a brow, amused. "You are ridiculous."

But Jian Ci only smiled, leaning against the doorframe, his eyes refusing to leave him. "You want me to wash your back for you?"

Yu Xi picked up the towel and threw it at him. "You think I don’t know what you’re thinking?"

Jian Ci peeled the towel off his face with a laugh. "Babe, I would never do that. I am a gentleman."

"Gentleman my ass. Get lost." Yu Xi’s tone was firm, but the amusement in his eyes betrayed him.

Jian Ci did as told, retreating with regret. Still, when he thought of the plan he had in mind, he knew there would be more opportunities.

When Yu Xi came out, he found a set of clothes neatly laid out for him. He paused, curiosity flickering. Jian Ci had been acting suspicious lately, and this only added to the mystery. What was he truly planning?

He changed into the clothes, and as soon as he was done, Jian Ci appeared like a ghost lurking in the shadows, right on cue.

Yu Xi arched his brow, glancing down at their outfits. At a glance, anyone could tell they were a couple.

He felt his heart melt in his chest, but he asked anyway, "Why do we have to wear the same things?"

"It’s not the same thing," Jian Ci said smoothly. But he was bullshitting, and Yu Xi knew it. Still, he didn’t press further.

He finished dressing, and Jian Ci stepped forward, helping him adjust the collar and smooth the fabric with deliberate care and Yu Xi let him.

Done fixing it, Jian Ci didn’t skip the chance to do Yu Xi’s hair. Like clockwork, Yu Xi sat down, and Jian Ci moved behind him, fingers deft and careful.

He leaned down, pressing a kiss to the top of Yu Xi’s head before meeting his gaze in the mirror. Yu Xi smiled, and Jian Ci’s grin grew even brighter.

Running his fingers through Yu Xi’s damp strands, Jian Ci murmured, "Your hair is so soft."

Yu Xi looked at him through the reflection. "You know you always treat me like a doll."

"I don’t," Jian Ci protested gently. "I just love your hair. It’s so soft, I have been obsessed with it ever since I met you."

Yu Xi chuckled. "And you say you aren’t a creep."

Jian Ci laughed before saying, "I am only a creep for you, baby."

Yu Xi smirked. "I am honored."

Jian Ci finished styling his hair, then carefully chose a dangling earring for him to wear. When he was done, he stepped back, satisfaction written all over his face.

"Happy?" Yu Xi asked. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Jian Ci wrapped his arms around Yu Xi’s waist, pulling him closer. "Very happy," he whispered, before kissing his lips.

Yu Xi kissed him back, their lips parting slowly.

"Let’s go," Jian Ci said, excitement bubbling in his voice.

"Where are you taking me?" Yu Xi asked, brow arched.

Jian Ci’s lips curled into a secretive smile. "It’s a surprise."

Yu Xi nodded and said, "Okay." The two of them left in the spacecraft before the twin suns had even risen. Yu Xi didn’t know where Jian Ci was taking him, but he didn’t mind. He was down for anything, as long as he could be beside Jian Ci.

Their fingers entwined, Jian Ci looked at him and smiled before leaning closer to kiss his cheek.

A few hours later....

Yu Xi couldn’t see a thing. The blindfold Jian Ci had tied around his eyes blocked out all light, leaving him in darkness. All he could do was trust Jian Ci’s hand guiding him forward.

They had been traveling for hours. First in the warship, then transferring to a smaller spacecraft after reaching this beautiful planet. When Jian Ci woke him up that morning, Yu Xi hadn’t imagined they would travel so far. He thought Jian Ci was taking him somewhere nearby, perhaps a hidden garden or a quiet lake. But this was different. This was far. In fact, if they had taken a public transporter, it would have taken three days to arrive here.

Yu Xi had asked what they were doing here, but Jian Ci had only smiled, secretive. Once they boarded the smaller craft, Jian Ci had slipped the blindfold over his eyes and said firmly, "Don’t take it off."

Yu Xi had obeyed, letting Jian Ci lead him by the nose.

When they finally stepped out of the spacecraft, Yu Xi was greeted by a rush of fresh air. A strong fragrance of nature and flowers filled his senses, so vivid it almost made up for the darkness.

"Is this really necessary?" Yu Xi asked, his voice tinged with impatience.

"It is," Jian Ci replied warmly. "Watch your step, my love."

Yu Xi’s ears burned at the words. He grumbled but allowed himself to be guided. Jian Ci’s hand was steady, his voice reassuring.

Finally, Jian Ci stopped. "When I tell you, you can remove the blindfold."

Yu Xi nodded, waiting.

After a few seconds, Jian Ci whispered, "You can take it off."

Yu Xi pulled the blindfold away and gasped.

Before him stretched a breathtaking scene: twin waterfalls cascading into a crystal lake, surrounded by fields of luminous flowers that glowed faintly under the rising suns. The sky was painted in hues of violet and gold, and the air shimmered with the energy of life.

Yu Xi’s breath caught. "It’s... beautiful," he said.

Jian Ci smiled, his eyes fixed not on the scenery, but on Yu Xi’s awestruck face. The air was thick with the scent of orchids and water, a heady perfume that made Yu Xi’s skin feel electric.

Nearby stood a mansion, elegant and secluded, its architecture blending seamlessly with the natural beauty around it. Nestled far from prying eyes, it was a sanctuary carved out of paradise itself.

Jian Ci turned to Yu Xi, his eyes bright with anticipation. "Do you like it?"

Yu Xi’s breath caught, overwhelmed by the sight. "Of course. I love it."

Jian Ci stepped closer, wrapping him in a quiet embrace. "I just wanted us to be alone." His arms tightened around Yu Xi’s waist possessive, and then he kissed him deeply.

His mouth was hot on his, a deep, searching kiss that stole his breath and sent his thoughts scattering like leaves in a storm. They kissed passionately, the roar of the waterfall serving as their backdrop, nature itself bearing witness to their union. When their lips parted, Jian Ci’s gaze lingered, soft yet mischievous.

"Do you want to go for a swim?" he asked.

Yu Xi blinked, startled. "Right here? I don’t have my swimming trunks."

Jian Ci’s lips curled at the corner, playful mischief dancing in his eyes. "We don’t need them."