Chapter 31: STARRY NIGHT

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Once the whirlwind of the day had calmed, and the plan for tomorrow was set, the house finally fell into a quiet stillness. Bright glanced over at Win, who seemed more exhausted than he'd ever seen him. Eighteen hours on a plane, followed by hours of travel and the mental strain of recent events had clearly taken a toll on him.

Once they'd settled, Win slowly pulled off his shoes, letting out a small sigh of relief as he stretched his legs. Bright's gaze immediately fell on Win's feet, noticing the raw, irritated skin.

Concern flashed across Bright's face. He rushed over, kneeling beside Win. "What happened?" he asked, gently lifting Win's foot to examine the wound.

Win shrugged, his voice casual but strained. "I think it's a shoe bite. Didn't notice it until now."

Without hesitation, Bright darted to get some ointment. Kneeling down again, he carefully applied it, his fingers moving with the gentleness of someone who'd done this before, though the tenderness was new. As he worked, Win's eyes never left him, a soft warmth glimmering in them.

"Well, at least you're okay," Win murmured, his voice soft with gratitude.

Bright chuckled lightly, breaking the seriousness of the moment. "Honestly, I thought you might believe the rumors."

Win's brow arched in surprise. "Did you really think that?"

Bright smiled sheepishly, "There were moments... maybe."

Win let out a soft laugh. "I would never believe them. Not about you."

Bright's cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and affection. "You trust me that much?"

Win's gaze softened, his smile tender. "More than my own life."

Bright's heart fluttered, and he leaned closer, his face now inches from Win's. His voice dropped to a whisper, a touch of uncertainty creeping in. "What if I'm not the good person you think I am?"

Win's lips curved into a gentle smile. "Then I'd stay with the bad one."

Bright blinked, taken aback. "Why?" he asked, genuinely curious.

Win's eyes sparkled with affection. "Because you're the most beautiful person on this earth," he said with a chuckle, "in every way, good or bad."

Bright let out a heartfelt laugh, shaking his head. "You really know how to flatter someone."

Win grinned, eyes playful. "So, it worked?"

Bright, trying to keep a straight face, gave a cute nod.

"You're easy," Win teased, his laughter light and infectious.

Bright shook his head in mock defeat, but the smile he wore was one of pure contentment. They sat together in that quiet moment, their connection deeper than any words could capture.

Bright hugged Win tightly, resting his chin on Win's shoulder. "Well, at least I know one person in this world loves me, no matter what," he whispered, his voice tinged with both relief and affection.

Win held him close, the warmth between them unspoken yet powerful. He leaned in, his lips brushing Bright's ear. "Lover boy," he whispered teasingly, "please take me to bed. It's getting hard to sit up any longer."

Without a word, Bright scooped Win up in his arms, carrying him through the quiet house and into their bedroom. He gently laid Win on the bed, arranging the pillows to make him comfortable. As he leaned down to kiss Win's forehead, he asked with a playful grin, "Shall I help you take your clothes off?"

Win smiled, eyes gleaming with mischief. "No, I still have a lot to talk about. And we both know what happens once the clothes come off," he teased, tapping Bright's arm.

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