The Gentle Man Next Door is a Rabbit - 86

 

TGMNDIAR - 86 | If-line (5)

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Bai Nian's mouth twitched.

Xu Mu said tremulously, "Isn't it true?"

Bai Nian didn’t know whether to laugh and cry at the same time. Seeing that Xu Mu's eyes were really red, he softened his voice, "Of course not."

He pressed his forehead against Xu Mu's, "Don't overthink it, I'm perfectly fine."

Xu Mu's heart relaxed a little, "Really?"

"Mm-hmm."

"Then, can I see your medical report?"

Bai Nian paused and didn't immediately agree.

Xu Mu got nervous again. He grasped Bai Nian's arm, "You're lying to me!"

It's over, it's really over.

Ever since he came home from school, his heart had been pounding with a sense of foreboding. Now, curled up in the small, stuffy bed, it felt even worse.

His eardrums felt like they were submerged in rushing water, throbbing restlessly. His back was soaked with sweat, and his chest felt like it was wrapped in an ever-expanding balloon, stuck in his throat. The nerves connected to it were pulsating wildly, like being pricked by needles, causing an indescribable, suffocating pain.

"Ah Nian..." Xu Mu buried his head in Bai Nianye's neck, his voice hoarse, "Show me your medical report. I'm worried about you."

He didn't beat around the bush, expressing his concern straightforwardly.

Bai Nian's heart softened even more. He gently patted Xu Mu's back, "It's really nothing, the doctor just mentioned a minor issue."

"A minor issue?" Xu Mu caught the key word, "You said there was nothing wrong!"

He got so agitated that he nearly jumped up, his head buzzing. Bai Nian reached out to try to hold him down, but failed.

Xu Mu pressed Bai Nian's arms down instead, pushing his arms back. His elbows firmly pinned against the bed, he leaned over, his knees pushing forward, pinning down Bai Nian's struggling legs.

Caught off guard, Bai Nian tried to resist, but his lower body wouldn't move at all.

The teenager's body was no longer thin and fragile. When he came crashing down, it felt like a thousand pounds was weighing down on him, and his skin was as hot as lava, almost burning him.

"You really are hiding something from me..." Xu Mu looked heartbroken, but his actions were very forceful, firmly holding down the person beneath him, not allowing him to move.

Bai Nian: "..."

"What on earth are you thinking about every day?" He was both amused and exasperated. 

Although he knew Xu Mu's concern was out of care for him, it was really—

Too silly.

Xu Mu said nothing, his dark pupils staring unblinkingly at Bai Nian. He lowered his head, his legs slowly moving up, his nose gently rubbing against Bai Nian's cheek, and softly called out, "Ah Nian."

Bai Nian's heart jumped uncontrollably, almost leaping out of his chest. He belatedly realized that their overlapping bodies...

The air under the blanket was not circulating, especially with a "boulder" pressing on his chest. 

He struggled to lift his head, the skin on his neck fair and translucent, the protruding veins pulsing with blood, looking like jade tinged with rouge, which was exceedingly beautiful.

Xu Mu's gaze shifted slightly downward, watching his adam's apple bob up and down in his field of vision. He observed the pale skin gradually taking on a rosy hue, even the light-colored lips showing a hint of enchanting red.

He was momentarily dazed, a strange thought suddenly came to him:

If it got even redder...

"It's a condition I've had since I was a child. It's not serious. My mom has always taken me to see the doctor, and it's under control. You don't need to worry."

Bai Nian spoke softly, his gentle breath brushing against Xu Mu's face.

"…What?" Xu Mu snapped back to reality, his eyes gradually focusing. A condition you've had since you were a child... is it harmful to your body?"

Bai Nian thought for a moment, "As long as it's well controlled, it won't."

—Although it easily causes hormonal imbalances, leading to minor symptoms like rashes, dizziness, and fatigue. Plus, with his body reaching maturity, his body feels a bit uncomfortable. But as long as he takes the medication properly, he can balance it out and reduce these occurrences.

Xu Mu leaned in closer, speaking in a muffled voice, "So, you already had it and I... I didn't even notice."

Bai Nian patted his head, comforting him, "Of course I had to hide it."

"So what exactly is the condition?"

"...It's not serious, you don't need to worry about it."

"Just tell me."

"There's really nothing to worry about."

Xu Mu pressed his lips together and said gloomily, "Now we have secrets between us..."

Bai Nian: "..."

"I've never hidden anything from you." Xu Mu paused, a flash of determination in his eyes, but he still nestled his cheek against Bai Nian's. "Ah Nian, tell me."

He deliberately lowered his voice, making it sound muffled and very pitiful.

Bai Nian: "..." Why does he feel like Xu Mu is pretending?

"Ah Nian?"

"..."

Xu Mu turned Bai Nian's face towards him, "Aren't we best friends?"

Bai Nian looked into his eyes for a few seconds and finally gave in.

"Do you really want to know?"

"Mm."

"..." Bai Nian opened his mouth but found it difficult to speak.

This secret, if it were anyone else, he would never tell them, no matter how much they begged.

But "the other person" was Xu Mu.

After so many years together, he knew that even if Ah Mu knew his secret, there would be no strange reaction. He might be surprised, but he would never laugh at him or think he was a freak.

Moreover... Bai Nian's fingertips curled, and his palms were damp with sweat. He also wanted to know how Ah Mu would react to such a body.

"Ah Nian..." Xu Mu whispered into Bai Nian's ear, "Didn't you ask me what I wanted for my birthday? I want you to tell me."

Bai Nian was stunned, then smiled, "Ah... How does that count as a gift?"

Xu Mu said seriously, "Of course it counts. Is understanding you not a gift?"

Bai Nian: "..."

"Ah Nian, just tell me."

Bai Nian gently brushed aside Xu Mu's bangs and said softly, "Alright, I'll tell you on your birthday."

Xu Mu's eyes lit up, "Okay, pinky promise!"

"Why would I lie to you?" Bai Nian chuckled but still extended his pinky.

They hooked their pinkies together, shaking them up and down, muttering the promise.

Xu Mu was very satisfied in the end.

"Alright, we've talked, and we've made a pinky promise. Now get off me," Bai Nian said.

Xu Mu blinked, realizing he was clinging to Bai Nian like an octopus.

"Oh..."

"Oh, then let me go quickly." Bai Nian glanced at him sideways, "Aren't you hot? I'm sweating all over."

It was indeed hot.

Spring was almost over, and the temperature was rising day by day.

Xu Mu stubbornly said, "I'm fine."

But his back was already drenched in sweat. Despite the thermostat working diligently, the bed felt like a giant steam oven.

Bai Nian shifted his legs, causing his loose shorts to slide down a bit.

Their calves were pressed together, and even a slight movement allowed them to feel the friction of their skin. He couldn't help but bend his knees, pulling his feet up.

Xu Mu instinctively followed, insisting on pinning Bai Nian's legs down, entwining his own feet around them playfully.

"Your legs are so smooth..." He pressed his cheek against Bai Nian's, his voice hoarse, "Is it because you use body lotion regularly?"

Xu Mu's hand slid to Bai Nian's thigh, his fingers tightening. The edge of Bai Nian's shorts flipped up, the fabric soft and skin-friendly.

Xu Mu caressed his calf and knee, the touch as smooth as silk.

From the knee to the thigh, the skin under his fingertips grew even more smooth.

Bai Nian curled up his legs, feeling unbearably ticklish, wanting to laugh but holding back. He glared at Xu Mu: What's wrong with you?

Xu Mu continued to tickle the sensitive spot at Bai Nian's waist, making him arch his back and try to evade.

Bai Nian pushed against Xu Mu's chest, the corners of his eyes slightly red, unable to stop laughing, "Stop tickling me!"

Xu Mu didn't listen, instead bringing his face closer, their noses touching.

Those gray-blue eyes seemed to have a magical power. In a trance, he said, "…so beautiful."

Bai Nian was taken aback, "What?"

His expression changed suddenly, his body curling up, his shoulders trembling.

Xu Mu didn't notice, he slowly came back to his senses, his eyelids blinking rapidly but not looking away.

This time, his voice grew deeper, "I said, you're beautiful."

Bai Nian dug his nails into his palm, his voice wavering, "No one says a guy is beautiful... I'm not even that good-looking, just ordinary. I usually wear glasses..."

"Guys can be beautiful too," Xu Mu said softly. "You're not ordinary. It's the glasses that conceal it, just like in cartoons. If others—"

He suddenly fell silent. A few seconds later, he continued, "Wearing glasses is actually good. Others won't notice, only I can see it."

Xu Mu sounded a bit proud as he spoke.

Bai Nian's heart raced, his knees falling to one side.

His tongue pressed against his teeth, causing a slight prickling sensation.

"Alright, stop joking around. Don't say such things outside, I'll be laughed at. There are so many truly beautiful people, how could I count as one?"

"You do." Xu Mu grabbed his hand, speaking seriously, "In my eyes, you're the most beautiful, the best-looking person."

Bai Nian's wrist trembled, the words in his heart were about to spill out. 

"...You...you..." he stammered, "You're just seeing things. In the future, when you like someone... find a girlfriend or boyfriend... get married, you should save these lines for them."

Xu Mu was stunned, seemingly contemplating Bai Nian's words.

Bai Nian was extremely nervous, his knuckles turning white, and his heart pounding loudly.

"I don’t have anyone I like, so naturally there’s no girlfriend or boyfriend, and I’m also not getting married," Xu Mu said.

"Why?" Bai Nian blurted out.

Xu Mu frowned, "I can't imagine such a life. Liking a stranger, then dating, getting married..."

He lowered his eyes, muttering to himself, "Being alone is fine, or maybeI can live with you for a lifetime? That sounds nice."

Bai Nian's breath caught in his throat. He bit his lip and said urgently, "You will definitely meet someone you like. It's impossible to live with me for a lifetime..."

——How could they be friends for a lifetime? He can say that now, but if he really meets someone he likes in the future, he probably wouldn’t say it then.

Xu Mu couldn't understand Bai Nian's certainty. Suddenly, a guess burst forth, and his brow furrowed tightly.

"Do you have someone you like?!"

"You definitely do, who is it?"

"Could it be..."

Bai Nian's eyes widened.

"A classmate? Someone from the same school? Or from another school?" 

Xu Mu grabbed his shoulder, his eyes sharp. "Bai Nian, you're not allowed to fall in love early!"

He asked irritably, "Who do you have a crush on at school? A guy or a girl? Have you interacted with them? Have you confessed? Wait, you guys aren't together already, are you?"

Bai Nian: "..."

He knew it, this idiot couldn't be that smart.

"No, you're overthinking it."

Bai Nian steadied his voice, not letting himself show any sign of strangeness.

——The college entrance exam is coming up, he doesn't plan to reveal it now. 

At the very least, he would wait until after the exam to slowly talk about their feelings.

By then, he would assess the situation, whether to test the waters or speak directly, or perhaps approach it gradually...

Bai Nian thought, feeling a bit annoyed. 

Sure enough, he lost control just now and got carried away, and asked such a thoughtless question.

He's not much smarter than Xu Mu.

"Not together yet?" Xu Mu kept a stern face, a stuffy feeling in his chest, and said sarcastically, "What, are you planning to confess after the college entrance exam?"

Bai Nian felt speechless, unsure whether to call it intelligence or not. 

"Bai Nian, am I still your best friend?" Xu Mu was not happy, rambling on, "Keeping this from me... No, we agreed that our relationship was the best, and you secretly gave that special place in your heart to someone else? Are you going to give all your time to a third person in the future?"

The more he spoke, the angrier he got, "Are you planning to go to the same university? What about me? If we don't go to the same university, do I have to watch you two lovebirds all the time, sticking together during class, after class, and walking home? What am I supposed to do? Be a third wheel? Or are you going to leave me behind? Bai Nian, I knew there was something fishy about you asking me those questions for no reason... mmm..."

Bai Nian covered his mouth, turning Xu Mu into a quacking duck, only able to make meaningless sounds. 

He sighed, "There's no one else, from beginning to end..." Only you.

"...I don’t have anyone I like, don't overthink it."

Xu Mu didn’t listen, still staring at Bai Nian intently. 

Bai Nian quickly said, "We're about to take the college entrance exam, is it appropriate to talk about relationships? Do you think I'm someone who's irresponsible about my future?"

Xu Mu stopped making noises.

Bai Nian pushed Xu Mu's chest slowly as he rose, this time, it went smoothly. "As for college and the future..." he looked at Xu Mu gently and said softly, "Let's make a pact, as long as you don't date or marry, I won't either. Conversely, if I don't date or marry, you can't either..."

"No matter what happens, this agreement will stand, okay?"

Bai Nian thought to himself, he was really despicable. He was unsure of his friend's feelings, and he did the worst-case scenario to trap him.

Xu Mu nodded without hesitation, "Okay."

Bai Nian lightly pressed his back and smiled, teasing him, "You won’t think about it? Whoever breaks the agreement will be punished by Newatus..." 

He hesitated, unsure of what to say next.

"It doesn’t count for you, if I break the agreement, I'll get struck by lightning," Xu Mu said calmly.

Bai Nian's eyebrows twitched, and he quickly covered Xu Mu's mouth. "Don't say nonsense!"

Xu Mu raised an eyebrow, "Because I know I can definitely keep it, that's why I dare to say it."

Bai Nian's eyelashes drooped, his hand falling down along with them. "Then don't casually make such ominous promises..."

Xu Mu shrugged, "If I don't actively break the agreement, then our agreement won’t stand, right?"

Bai Nian fell silent.

He vaguely thought that perhaps this was the courage he had to slowly build up. 

Although he is unsure of the other's feelings, he has to feel confident and fearless, believing that in the end, they would find a path to happiness. 

Blind confidence and self-doubt, perhaps, were the most complex and unreasonable states of mind for anyone harboring a secret crush.

"You're right, if I don't keep it, I'll get struck by lightning too."

Xu Mu's expression changed abruptly. "What, don't say that, you—"

"Have you done your homework?" Bai Nian suddenly asked, cutting him off.

Xu Mu was stunned, surprised by the sudden shift in topic.

Bai Nian calmly pulled away from Xu Mu's grasp, nonchalantly retracting his leg, preparing to get off the bed to change into a pair of pants and—

Xu Mu, slow to catch on, realized something and pulled him back.

Bai Nian, caught off guard, with no resistance left, his body went limp, collapsing onto the bed. 

He groaned inwardly, immediately twisting his legs, tightly pressing his knees together.

He thought to himself that it was not good, he just wanted to leave for the bathroom quickly. But as soon as his legs moved towards the edge of the bed, they were grabbed back by Xu Mu.

Bai Nian hurriedly tried to avoid it, but didn't completely succeed, instead the other person held onto his thigh, his furry head nuzzling up.

He froze, not daring to move.

"Wait a minute..." Xu Mu buried his head and nuzzled around, muttering, "Can I ask for an extra birthday gift?"

"...Yeah."

"Anything, I want," Xu Mu emphasized.

"Say it," Bai Nianye took a deep breath, closing his eyes.

Xu Mu licked his dry lips, "Then I'll say it, you..."

He furrowed his brows slightly, as if puzzled. His nose twitched, sniffing along the inside of Bai Nian's thigh.

Bai Nian suddenly opened his eyes, struggling, "What are you doing! You—"

Xu Mu's hands remained motionless, firmly holding onto his thighs, his powerful fingers pressing down, revealing a delicate and fleshy feeling between his fingers.

"Ah Nian..." his head kept getting closer, his nose twitching, "Did you not rinse off properly when you showered, so all the shower gel stayed on your body... no, its mainly concentrated in the lower area, like only on your shorts..."

A spark of realization flashed in his mind, "Did you not rinse off your pants properly when you washed them? Is the washing machine broken? I, Hiss!"

Xu Mu covered his head and yelled, while Bai Nian's cheeks flushed red. He gritted his teeth, finally managing to free his legs from the other's grasp.

He quickly got off the bed, in the midst of his movements, there was a faint "gurgle" sound.

Very subtle, almost imperceptible unless you listened carefully, but to him, it was like thunder in his ears.

Bai Nian's face went pale and green.

"Hey, Ah Nian, where are you going!" Xu Mu shouted.

Bai Nian dashed into the bathroom. As the automatic door closed, he gritted his teeth.

"Are you angry that your pants weren't rinsed properly?"

Xu Mu scratched his head, looking embarrassed.

So fierce... Did he make Ah Nian angry?

Xu Mu was a bit puzzled, why?

He couldn't figure it out and gradually drifted off. He stretched out his hand, lowering his head, staring blankly.

The delicate, smooth sensation lingered.

Xu Mu's mind was in a daze, feeling like there was more to explore.

He lay back on the bed, rolling from one side of the pillow to the other.

That faintly sweet and mellow fragrance once again wafted through his nostrils.

As time passed, it didn't dissipate, but instead took root in Xu Mu's mind, difficult to forget.

He thought of the agreement with Bai Nian: If there wasn't a third person between them, could they then be... 

best friends for life?

A smile formed at the corner of Xu Mu's mouth, overflowing with happiness.

Yes, he will be with Ah Nian for a lifetime!

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