Chapter 67: A Morning of Healing

 

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The first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. Jae-ho stirred, slowly waking from a deep, dreamless sleep. His body was sore, but there was a warmth enveloping him, a comforting presence that made him feel safe.

Arson was lying beside him, still asleep, his arm draped loosely over Jae-ho’s waist. Jae-ho could feel the steady rise and fall of Arson’s chest, the warmth of his breath against the back of his neck. The events of the previous night flooded his mind—how close they had become, the tenderness they had shared, and the sense of belonging that Jae-ho hadn’t felt in so long.

He turned slightly, careful not to wake Arson, and studied his face. There was a softness there that was rarely seen, a peacefulness that made Jae-ho’s heart ache. Arson had always been his protector, his shield, and now, he was something more—someone Jae-ho could lean on, trust, and love in ways he had never imagined.

As if sensing Jae-ho’s gaze, Arson’s eyes fluttered open. A slow, sleepy smile spread across his face as he tightened his grip around Jae-ho, pulling him closer. “Good morning,” he murmured, his voice still thick with sleep.

“Morning,” Jae-ho replied softly, resting his hand on Arson’s chest. “How are you feeling?”

Arson chuckled, his fingers gently brushing Jae-ho’s hair. “Better now that you’re here.”

They lay there in silence for a while, the only sound the rhythmic beat of their hearts in sync. It was a moment of calm after the storm, a fragile peace that they both cherished. But Jae-ho knew there were things left unsaid, truths that still hung in the air between them.

“I was thinking,” Jae-ho started, his voice hesitant, “about what comes next. Now that we’ve fought Arak and… everything else.”

Arson’s hand stilled on Jae-ho’s back, his expression growing serious. “We’ll face whatever comes, Jae-ho. Together.”

Jae-ho sighed, closing his eyes as he rested his head against Arson’s chest. “I know. But it’s not just about Arak. It’s… us. What we are to each other.”

Arson shifted, propping himself up on his elbow to look down at Jae-ho. “We don’t have to figure it all out right now,” he said gently, his hand caressing Jae-ho’s cheek. “But I want you to know that whatever happens, I’m with you. I want this—you, us. I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.”

Jae-ho’s heart swelled at Arson’s words, the sincerity in his voice melting away the doubts that had been gnawing at him. He leaned up, pressing a soft kiss to Arson’s lips, a silent acknowledgment of the feelings they both shared but didn’t always know how to express.

They kissed slowly, the warmth between them growing as their bodies pressed closer. But this time, it wasn’t the desperate passion of the night before—it was something softer, more intimate, a gentle reaffirmation of their bond.

Arson pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against Jae-ho’s. “I’m sorry for everything you’ve been through,” he whispered. “I know I’ve been… difficult. But I’ll do better. For you.”

Jae-ho smiled, his fingers tracing Arson’s jawline. “You don’t have to apologize. I chose to stay with you. And I don’t regret it.”

They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in the warmth of each other’s embrace, finding solace in the silence that spoke louder than words. For once, there was no rush, no impending danger, just the quiet understanding that they had each other.

Eventually, Jae-ho shifted, wincing slightly as the soreness from their previous night’s encounter made itself known. Arson noticed immediately, concern flashing across his face. “Are you okay?”

Jae-ho chuckled softly, shaking his head. “I’m fine. Just… sore.”

Arson smirked, a playful glint in his eyes. “I can help with that.” Without waiting for a reply, he sat up, pulling Jae-ho with him and gently turning him over onto his stomach.

Jae-ho felt a shiver run down his spine as Arson’s hands began to work on his back, kneading the tense muscles with expert precision. “You’re full of surprises,” Jae-ho murmured, his voice muffled by the pillow.

Arson laughed softly. “I’ve had practice. You’re not the first person I’ve had to take care of after a rough night.”

Jae-ho’s eyes fluttered shut as he let himself relax into Arson’s touch, the tension slowly melting away. Arson’s hands were firm but gentle, easing the soreness from Jae-ho’s muscles with every stroke.

After a few minutes, Jae-ho let out a contented sigh. “You’re really good at this,” he mumbled, his body feeling lighter with every passing moment.

Arson leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to the back of Jae-ho’s neck. “I’m good at a lot of things,” he teased, his breath warm against Jae-ho’s skin.

Jae-ho laughed, the sound light and carefree. For the first time in a long while, he felt truly at peace. The weight of the past few days had lifted, and in its place was a sense of belonging—a feeling that, no matter what happened next, they would face it together.

Arson’s hands slid up Jae-ho’s back, his touch becoming more affectionate than therapeutic. Jae-ho rolled over, pulling Arson down into a soft kiss, their lips meeting in a slow, lazy rhythm that spoke of their mutual desire and affection.

They spent the rest of the morning wrapped in each other’s arms, the outside world forgotten for just a little while longer.

To be continued...