Awake at Midnight, Waiting for You

- Calm, reserved valley master gong X loyal, slow-witted bodyguard shou

- Mutual secret crush, both reborn, a sweet, indulgent romance about winning over a man

Nine years ago, Lin Xiao took Qi Ling in. Qi Ling had peerless skills and was cold and heartless, seemingly devoid of human emotion, yet he was utterly loyal to Lin Xiao alone. But Lin Xiao realized that, at some point, his trust and admiration for Qi Ling had changed into something else.

He trapped Qi Ling, a wolf, in a cage and made him his caged bird, only to watch them grow further and further apart. The more distant they became, the more frenzied Lin Xiao's feelings grew, until he finally drove them both to the edge of ruin.

When Lin Xiao opened his eyes again, he found himself back three years in the past, before Qi Ling was covered in wounds. This time, he steeled himself and decided to let go, to be nothing more than Qi Ling's brother. Yet every night at midnight, he found his bodyguard sneaking in to watch him...

The valley master, who's been suppressing his feelings until he's practically sick with it, doesn't dare reveal what he feels again. But his bodyguard seems to be getting more and more seductive, constantly edging closer to him. He regrets not holding back in his past life, so in this life, even if his inner fire burns him to ashes, he'll keep it under control...

But how could anyone keep it together when they're being teased like this every day?! = =# (Someone rubs against the bed, grits his teeth, and pounds the wall.)

Meanwhile, Qi Ling is feeling all kinds of aggrieved: Why doesn't Master like petting and hugging me anymore? Why isn't he the same as he was in my past life...?

- Little scene -

At midnight, Lin Xiao lies in bed with his eyes closed. Qi Ling silently drops down from the roof and crouches in front of him. He expertly strokes Lin Xiao's head, then quietly tucks him in, only for someone to suddenly grab his hand.

"Here again?" Lin Xiao narrows his eyes and gives a cold, gritted-teeth laugh.

"If you're really worried I'll get cold, why don't you come up and keep me company?"

Qi Ling looks at him expressionlessly and obediently nods, preparing to climb up and keep him company.

Lin Xiao's temple throbs. He gets up to stop him. "Get down! Go back to your own room!"

Qi Ling presses his lips together, looking aggrieved. He stands there without moving or speaking, like a little dog that's been abandoned.

Lin Xiao sighs and rubs his forehead, giving in again. "Go to sleep properly, and don't move around!"

Qi Ling: "Okay!"

In the second half of the night, someone wakes up gasping for air and discovers he's been tightly bound in his own quilt again...

Content warnings: Both are virgins, 1v1, mutual secret crush.

Gong: Dominating at first, then afraid of hurting the shou and never daring to get close.

Shou: Doesn't understand feelings and is clueless. He just likes kisses and cuddles from the gong, so he keeps snuggling up to him.

They keep being awkward with each other, and their feelings are complicated. If that's not your thing, this may not be for you. I promise there will be no angst, just everyday interactions and lots of sweetness.

Important warning: This story has passed a plagiarism comparison check. If anyone makes baseless accusations of copying again, see you in court.

Theme: When you like someone, you want them to change. When you truly fall in love with someone, you learn to change yourself.