That night, I found myself unable to sleep. My mind was consumed by thoughts of him – his eyes, his scent, his figure. He mentioned he was headed to the Literature Department; did that mean he was a student there? I had courses in the Literature Department too; could we possibly cross paths? But what if we didn’t? How else could we ever meet again? I felt foolish. Why didn't I ask for his contact information this afternoon? If I had, perhaps I wouldn't be lying awake and pondering over these trivial matters.
It truly was an entire night, a whole night without sleep. From the moment I woke up, the expression on my face spoke volumes, signaling to my family members in the house that it was best not to bother me; at school, suitors approached cautiously, noticing my displeased countenance, opting to keep their distance; in the classroom, my classmates, sensing my evident frustration, tactfully chose to occupy seats as far away from me as possible, not wanting to incur my wrath.
"Hello everyone, I'm Neil Wesley, the new professor in the Literature Department. I'll be teaching your language and literature history courses, so please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance. I look forward to getting to know each of you and working together to explore the fascinating world of language and literature."
Once again, it was that polite and subdued voice, albeit this time, the self-introduction carried with it a certain reverence for the domains of knowledge one ought to possess. Even though it might not have convinced or persuaded every one of his expertise, it certainly managed to command the attention of the entire room, especially me, who had cranky disposition since the early morning.
So, it turned out he wasn't merely a student; he held the esteemed title of professor. But how could someone so young attain such a prestigious position? I meaned, judging by appearances, he seemed to be roughly the same age as me, right? At most, he might be just a year or two older. Could it be possible that he's some sort of prodigious talent? As I observed the figure standing at the lectern, my mind couldn't help but wander to other thoughts—predominantly about him, unrelated to matters of language or literary history. Throughout the entirety of the ninety-minute lecture, my gaze remained fixed upon him without a single moment of distraction. Surprisingly, my previously cranky disposition had dissolved into thin air the very moment he entered the lecture hall, dissipating like bubbles in the air. I found myself enjoying his class, in a certain sense.
"Hello." After the class, I caught up with him.
"Hey, Ryan." He chuckled, whether because he spotted me or because he was pleased with his first class, I couldn't tell.
"So, you're a professor. I thought you were a student."
"Yeah, I've been out of the student game for a while."
"How long's a while?"
"I turned 30 this year."
"Come one, you must be kidding."
"Nope, I can show you my ID if you want."
"I want to see."
"Here you go." He actually took out his ID, quite naive, really.
"You still look so young, and, your ID photo is really good-looking."
"I... I should head back to my office." He seemed bashful.
"Need help carrying books?"
"No, I've got it. Thanks though."
"Alright then, see you tomorrow. I'll be on time and focused for class."
"Sounds good."
"As a reward, how about we grab dinner tomorrow?"
"Huh?"
"No need to hesitate, it's decided then. Bye."
"Um, okay, bye." He returned to that adorable yet shy demeanor.
Leaving the building, I found myself gazing at the sky with a silly grin plastered on my face. I never imagined I would encounter him again so soon, not to mention about discovering he was a professor and to think he's already 30 years old came as a surprise. The fact that he offered to show me his ID was unexpected too, but what truly astounded me was securing the opportunity to have a meal with him. Today turned out to be the luckiest day I've ever experienced, well, excluding the insomnia that plagued me from midnight till this morning, of course.
I chose this place for dinner—it was a quaint café nestled in the heart of the college town. As we stepped inside, the lively chatter of students and locals filled the space, infusing the whole place with an irresistible energy. Laughter echoed off the walls, adding vibrancy to our dinner.The welcoming aroma was nothing short of heavenly good: freshly brewed coffee wafted rich and bold, mingling with the warm, enticing scent of freshly baked bread. It was a sensory symphony that immediately captivated our senses, drawing us into the cozy embrace of the café.The café itself was a picture of rustic charm, with its weathered wooden tables and mismatched chairs adding to its allure. Soft ambient lighting casted a gentle glow throughout the space, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere perfect for a romantic dinner for two.As the evening progressed, the café took on a magical quality, with soft candlelight flickering on the tables and the faint hum of conversation adding to the sense o
Ethan really made it. With the help of the GPS, I managed to locate the place where I first arrived, what I spontaneously called "home" an hour ago. Of course, I had to pretend to be very familiar with this place, so as not to arouse suspicion. Once I stepped inside the door, I found myself admiring Ethan's ability to handle things even more. The comfort level was off the charts, giving off a cozy vibe as if a family of three or four were living here. I wondered; would we ever have that kind of feeling in the future?He cast a quick glance in my direction, almost as though he needed my consent as the current occupant before initiating the tour. In that moment, feeling thoroughly impressed by Ethan's organizational skills, I nodded with assurance, offering a casual wave of my hand to indicate that he could explore the premises at his own pace.To his surprise, as he stepped into the first room, he caught sight of something unusual: a set of werewolf handcuffs. Due to my youth and occas
He was in the next room, perhaps exhausted, as he drifted off to sleep. From my own bed, I could hear the steady rhythm of his breathing, a gentle melody that matched the softness of his voice, which always seemed to soothe me. The scent of his freshly showered skin lingered in the air, subtly infused with a hint of soap, yet his natural scent remained unmistakable. Amidst the faint aroma of shower gel, his unique essence seemed to shine even brighter, drawing me in like an addiction. I found myself continuously inhaling the fragrance, allowing it to envelop me like a hypnotic lullaby, easing me into a state of tranquility. Every breath seemed to deepen my connection to him, as if his presence permeated the very air around me, comforting and captivating me in equal measure.As dawn arrived, the tantalizing scent of food filled the air, tempting me out of my cozy bed, where I often linger longer than I should. Filled with eager anticipation, I looked forward to the morning encounter wi
Recalling last night's dream, though quite fulfilling, I couldn’t dwell on it anymore. The reason being, my body was reacting again, reminding me of the perennial dilemma of being a virile young man. It was a common scenario where one's subconscious stirred up desires, only to leave them hanging when reality kicked in. So, I quickly took a cold shower to cool off and decided to distract myself by going outside to catch a glimpse of the man who had been occupying my thoughts day and night.As I entered the kitchen, I caught sight of him already preparing breakfast, adorned in an apron and diligently scrubbing the pots and pans he had just used. There was a certain domestic charm about him, reminiscent of a dedicated homemaker. When he noticed me, a shy smile graced his lips as he bashfully averted his gaze, evoking memories of him from my dream. It was as if the scene had been plucked straight out of my subconscious and brought to life before me.But why was he so shy? Was it necessary
Neither of us had classes today, so after eating, I accompanied him back to his place. Initially, I thought he was staying in a hotel, but it turned out to be a very old and small roadside motel. I suggested he go ahead inside while I parked the car, planning to join him shortly afterward. However, when I entered the lobby of the motel, there wasn't a soul in sight. Fortunately, he had given me the room number before heading in, so I proceeded straight to it.His room happened to be located in the most remote corner of the motel premises. As I approached, my gaze caught sight of an unexpected scene: a short, stout, bald-headed man standing by Neil's room window, his gaze fixed intently on whatever was transpiring within. Reacting swiftly, I strode up beside him, feeling a surge of anger rising within me. I grasped his collar firmly, forcefully pulling him aside, and then peered through the gap he had been using to spy, where it was clear that Neil was changing clothes.To avoid alarmi
Morning had arrived, and amidst the anticipation that had characterized the past few days, it carried a subtle undercurrent of hesitation. It was not that the novelty of sharing my space had worn off; rather, there was a new element of unease stirring within me. After all, he was only been here for a few days, yet my desires had reached a level that made me apprehensive about my ability to resist. In that moment of losing control, I feared that I might succumb to impulses that could potentially "consume" this captivating middle-aged man.Stepping out of the room, he had already prepared breakfast, but today's dishes were different from the previous days. They weren't the kind you'd find in restaurants; instead, they exuded a warmth that even I, a werewolf capable of giving warmth, found comforting. If I were to set aside the word "desire," I felt like I was growing fonder of him. His personality, his efforts, his care, his mere presence—all of it. Every little detail seemed to be weav
Alone at home, I prepared for the transformation under the full moon. After clearing the room of all objects, I installed soundproofing devices on the walls, placed a large mirror against one side, and set up cameras in various corners. I locked myself inside the empty room, striped off my shirt, knelt in front of the mirror, and secured my hands with werewolf handcuffs. As I awaited the moment of transformation, I made sure a tranquilizer syringe was nearby for safety.I closed my eyes slowly, allowing myself to sink into a state of deep concentration. With each breath, I focused on regulating my heartbeat, preparing both mind and body for the impending transformation. Sensations began to ripple through me, subtle at first but steadily growing in intensity. I compared these sensations to previous transformations, analysing their nuances and gauging the necessity of the tranquilizer injection. Every muscle twitch, every surge of primal energy, served as a reminder of the impending met
At some point, I lost consciousness after taking pride in my progress. When I woke up again, I found myself back in bed, and everything in the room had been restored to its original state. The soundproofing equipment, mirrors, and cameras had all been removed. Undoubtedly, this was Ethan's considerate gesture. Even though I had moved out of the castle, he still worried about me, especially during the full moon. He did so much for me without my knowledge; he must be the one who cares for me and looks after me more than my own family.I tried to sit up, but whether it was the effect of the sedative or the effort of the transformation process, my head was throbbing so intensely that I couldn't manage to do so. I felt helpless, unable to do anything, and soon drifted back into an uneasy sleep.It felt like a dream, and in the dream, he returned. Seeing him, I felt that all my efforts and self-control throughout the night were worthwhile. His countenance was gentle and handsome, his eyes b
Three days later, on a bright and sunny day, the warm light bathed the earth, as if even the sun was adding a touch of radiance to our wedding. The venue was set up like a dream—white flowers adorned every corner, and the air was filled with a faint, sweet fragrance, as though each petal had been carefully chosen just for us. The guests had all arrived, their faces lit with brilliant smiles, their eyes brimming with blessings and hope. In that moment, all the exhaustion and pain seemed to be forgotten, replaced by nothing but boundless joy and warmth.This day belonged to us three couples, the happiest day of our lives. Neil and I, Peter and Nick, Harry and Nelson—standing together, it felt as if fate had already woven an invisible thread, tying us all together. Each of our faces radiated joy, our eyes filled with love and devotion for one another. Just before the ceremony began, I stole a glance at Neil standing beside me. His eyes sparkled softly, filled with warmth and unwavering d
Ethan continued to describe that miraculous moment: "When Neil's blood entered your body, everything changed dramatically. At first, nothing seemed unusual, but soon, the operating room was filled with dazzling light. Countless beams of light intertwined in the air, and the entire hospital was suddenly powered down, as if a mysterious force had illuminated it. Everyone was startled, and you, it seemed, experienced some kind of extraordinary transformation in that instant." There was a calmness in Ethan’s eyes. "Then, the situation settled. Power was restored, the readings on the instruments returned to normal, and your arm miraculously reconnected, fully healed. The symptoms of blood loss vanished in an instant, as though nothing had ever happened."I murmured, "If this is true, then what the Black Wolf said in the virtual world must also be correct. It claimed the calamity has been averted, the curse is broken." The Black Wolf had told me that these changes signified that the crisis
Everything went black, and I was suddenly jolted back to reality. The chaotic scene of battle unfolded around me—Kim and Peter had been knocked to the ground by the vengeful spirits, and Maria was visibly struggling, her strength fading. I looked around in shock, my heart heavy with realization. All of this suffering, all of this fighting—it was because of the decision I had made. I had refused to let go of Neil, going to any lengths to bring him back to life. But in doing so, I had led us into an endless cycle of calamity, and even Neil had been forced to endure so much pain. Perhaps the root of all this, the key to ending it, lay within myself.Slowly, I rose to my feet, a sense of clarity settling over me as I began to understand the true meaning of goodness. It was selfless letting go—it was the willingness to forsake oneself for the sake of others.I took a deep breath, releasing all my obsessions, letting go of the desire to fight for selfish reasons or love. I would fight now,
Ken Yimo raised his hand high, summoning the fragile thread of magic he could barely muster, and hurled it toward the demon with all the strength he had left. Though his magical abilities were far from impressive, his gaze was resolute, unwavering in the face of death. The demon, however, merely smiled faintly, effortlessly neutralizing Ken's attack. The vast disparity in power sent Ken crashing to the ground, his body feeling as fragile as an ant under the weight of the demon’s overwhelming force.But just as Ken fell, something in Fred's heart shifted. He could no longer bear to watch this crumbling scene unfold. Tears welled in his eyes as he screamed in desperate anguish, his voice cracking with raw emotion, “Ken, no! Don’t sacrifice yourself for me! I’m not worth it!” His words were soaked in sorrow and despair, filled with regret—as if all his anger and jealousy had now melted away into nothing but remorse.Ken Yimo struggled painfully to rise from the ground, blood and bruises
Nick forced himself to put on a defiant expression and coldly said, "Who's afraid?" But I could see a flash of fragile fear in his eyes, and my heart ached even more. Nelson had just recovered, his face pale, his body swaying slightly. Upon hearing Harry's call, he struggled to lift his head, his eyes still filled with trust and dependence on Harry. He parted his lips weakly and whispered, "Harry..." His voice was so faint, it seemed like it could vanish into the air at any moment. Neil, the most sensitive of the three, looked at us with fear in his eyes. But he didn't cry out for help; instead, he anxiously glanced at Nelson, as if silently urging us to take care of the more fragile brother first.Facing the scene before me, a surge of anger filled my chest, and I coldly demanded to know what Fred wanted. Fred stood in the shadows, his gaze as cold as ice. He gave a faint smile, revealing a sickly, cruel satisfaction. "It's simple," he said, his voice low but carrying an undeniable o
Meanwhile, the others had scattered, continuing their search for any trace of Neil, their faces grim with concern. The tension in the air was thick, and every passing second felt like we were hurtling toward something far darker than we had anticipated.As everyone scrambled in panic, Maria suddenly called out, "There's a trace of magic here!" Her voice was tinged with urgency and surprise, clearly indicating that she had discovered something unusual. We hurried over to find her standing at the entrance of Ken Yimo's bedroom, eyes closed in concentration, her hands moving gently through the air as though she were carefully unraveling an invisible barrier. Soon, the tips of her fingers began to glow faintly, as if she had torn through a thin veil. In that instant, the magical barrier dissolved, and everything behind the door came into view, causing me to gasp in shock.Inside the bedroom, Ken Yimo lay on the cold floor, his face ashen, as though he had endured some immense shock. Scatt
"It turns out that Ken's coldness stems from such a painful past," I murmured softly, a deep, indescribable sorrow washing over me. The suffering Ken had endured was far beyond our comprehension. No wonder he kept everyone at arm's length, as if wrapped in a hard shell to shield himself."What's even more tragic is that our 'old-fashioned' people, upon learning about Ken's sexual orientation, grew even more hostile toward him. They have no idea that his sexuality was, for the most part, twisted by that monstrous foster father of his," Maria sighed, her eyes filled with profound sympathy and understanding for Ken. She shook her head, adding, "They ostracized him, yet they have no clue what kind of pain he went through."I couldn't help but ask, "What happened after that? What did Ken go through?"Maria gently shook her head, a shadow of sorrow crossing her face. "He left our place. By the time I found him, that beast of a foster father had gathered thirty or forty people, trying to for
Ken Yimo chuckled gently, the smile on his face tinged with a trace of self-mockery, as if he had already come to terms with his fate. "For me, Neil’s safety is the most important thing. As long as he can get away from here, away from all this conflict, I fear nothing."His words were firm and tender, that kind of selfless, fatherly love stirring something deep within me. I clenched my fists in silent resolve, taking a deep breath. "Alright, Ken. I promise you, I will do everything in my power to take Neil away. I won’t let him come to any harm. I swear, I will protect him with everything I have."A flicker of gratitude passed through Ken Yimo's eyes as he nodded slightly. "I know you will, Ryan. Your care for Neil, your dedication to him—it's something even I deeply admire. He’s a child who deserves love and protection... Please continue to show him kindness, and give him the warmth he truly needs."His words struck a chord deep within me. I had planned to turn and leave, to end this
Ken Yimo nodded slightly, his expression laced with a complex mixture of emotions. “Yes. Fred knows he’s nothing more than a replacement. But he... he’s different. Despite everything, he still desperately seeks my attention. He doesn’t mind being my servant, if it means he can be close to me.”"A child with ambition," I murmured to myself, trying to grasp the psychological dynamics at play in such a twisted situation.A bitter smile tugged at the corner of Ken Yimo's lips. "Do you think Fred acts out so recklessly, causing chaos everywhere, even disregarding the reputation of the Yimo family? What do you think he’s trying to achieve?"I furrowed my brows, pondering for a moment, before the realization dawned on me. "Could it be... that he's doing it just to get your attention? He’s deliberately being reckless, making sure everyone knows."Ken Yimo nodded, his tone unnervingly calm. "Exactly. He knows that by antagonizing people, the Yimo family will inevitably be ostracized. But what