Wolf Cub

A short story written for practice:

Younger man

Mature, steady police officer older brother x orphan student younger brother he took in

My ongoing novel next door: "World-Weary, But Dotes on His Wife"

Blurb:

#Doppelgangers #TheyDoteOnEachOther

Blurb:

Reborn on the eve of the apocalypse, Lang Yuan sees himself rushing toward him, his face battered and hideous.

Just out of the bath, Lang Yuan is fair as jade and strikingly beautiful. He tilts his head in confusion. "Who are you?"

Lang Yuan opens his mouth. "...My name is Lang Yuan!"

Yuan, as in abyss. I am you, crawling out of hell.

*

Lang Yuan has endured countless hardships. Now that he has returned, all he wants is for Lang Yuan to live freely.

So when the apocalypse breaks out, he uses his knowledge of the future to make sure Lang Yuan can live in comfort and safety.

But the fiance who once caused his death keeps pestering Lang Yuan, who can't bring himself to make a clean break.

Lang Yuan's eyes turn gloomy. During an attack by terrifying monsters, he deliberately lets his fiance push him off a building. "...Can't you see what he's really like yet?"

"Do you want to die?!" Lang Yuan cries, eyes blazing with fury.

*

Human nature is hard to change, especially when you're opinionated, haven't suffered much, and have a bit of a bleeding heart.

Lang Yuan stays by Lang Yuan's side, under the pretense of seeking refuge.

Watching over him, protecting him, helping him grow stronger.

After finally driving away all the flies buzzing around them, he realizes that something is wrong with both of them!

"I want to understand you."

Lang Yuan says, "You understand me so well. I want to know everything about you, too."

Lang Yuan's dead heart gives a faint tremor. His voice almost shakes as he asks, "Why?"

Why does he want to understand him?

What does he want to do once he does?

*

Much later, Lang Yuan learns the truth.

He clutches the once-broken version of himself, trembling all over.

The salvation he longed for in his darkest despair was something he ultimately gave himself!

Theme: Don't be afraid. Someone will love you.