Daddy, Give Me Another Hug!

Composer Qiao Chongguang, an indoor-loving introvert with a severe sun allergy, is the receiver.

Tentacled, muscular, bodhisattva-like, adorably clueless and taciturn monster Xiao Zhu is the pursuer.

*Tentacle pursuer, cosmic horror, cozy (?), sweet romance

Qiao Chongguang has a severe sun allergy, so he almost never goes out.

At home, the curtains are always drawn, keeping out the daylight.

Because of these circumstances, Qiao Chongguang has few friends and doesn't live with his family.

Fortunately, he's an introvert and doesn't need much social interaction.

Still, even the most solitary person sometimes wishes someone would hug them.

For example... when he discovers a handsome, shy male streamer with an amazing physique.

And this streamer offers a "rent-a-hug" service.

On a whim, Qiao Chongguang books a session.

He quickly becomes enamored with the man's soft, full-bodied hugs and quiet, considerate personality.

He immediately turns the one-time session into a long-term subscription.

After the bodhisattva moves in, Qiao Chongguang realizes this man truly must be a bodhisattva reincarnated. Not only is he fit and strikingly handsome, he's also kindhearted.

He never complains about the sunless apartment, and he takes his job seriously, never checking his phone or fidgeting during a hug. He can even stay silent and hold Qiao Chongguang for hours without moving an inch.

But ever since the bodhisattva moved in, Qiao Chongguang has felt that something in the house is off.

The already dark rooms seem even darker, and a little damp. When composing music, Qiao Chongguang keeps sensing something moving behind him, but the apartment only contains him and the bodhisattva, and he's sitting right in the man's arms, held tightly.

It feels as though something invisible has invaded the apartment. The overnight trash is lighter, the iron wok has vanished, and he can't find the fan anywhere. His clothes are getting sticky, or disappearing altogether...

Qiao Chongguang is frightened, but no one believes him. Fortunately, he still has the bodhisattva.

Whenever he feels unsafe, the man gives him a warm hug that makes him feel truly at ease.

As they spend more time together, the quiet bodhisattva also learns to comfort him with his own peculiar, deadpan jokes.

"Xiao Qiao, bread and corgis don't look all that different. How do you tell them apart? Why are you always so amazing?"

"Oh, the iron wok? I was just so hungry that I accidentally ate it... I'm sorry. Iron tastes so much better than concrete."

"If you want more hands to get things done, I can help. I have lots of hands, really."

Qiao Chongguang gradually falls in love with this handsome, tall, warm, gentle bodhisattva.

This man is the only light in his shut-in, dark world and his increasingly crumbling life.

+++++

Viscous liquid and inkblot-like marks cover the walls. Qiao Chongguang hasn't dared turn on the lights in over a month, and doesn't want to see what the apartment looks like anymore.

His unfinished composition is playing on the computer. Rounded notes form a discordant, obscure melody that creaks and squeals from the speakers.

Everywhere, there are little noises, like mice or cold-blooded creatures crawling around.

Qiao Chongguang burrows deep into the bodhisattva's arms, seeking a little warmth. "Xiao Zhu, I'm really scared. Hold me tighter..."

Xiao Zhu wraps its human arms around its fragile, adorable, fragrant, delicious lover.

In the darkness, every one of its limbs scurries madly, invading and devouring, wanting to touch Qiao Chongguang, wanting to claim his skin.

Qiao Chongguang feels even colder and begs, trembling, "Hold me tighter. I want you to wrap me up completely..."

Xiao Zhu's Adam's apple bobs as it swallows several times.

Qiao Chongguang shudders all over. "What... is that on my foot...?"

In the cold glow of the monitor, Xiao Zhu's face is still incomparably handsome. He blinks and says blankly, "Oh, sorry. I wanted to wrap you up, but I lost control of my tenth hand."

Qiao Chongguang takes a deep breath and grabs the sticky, soft limb around his ankle.

He switches on every light in the room.

"I don't care what you are. Hug me."

*The blurb may change, and the main characters' names may change, but the core premise won't.

*This is just an idea for now. It should be a healing, coming-of-age story. It won't be too scary. There'll be a bit of cosmic horror atmosphere, but the bodhisattva's chest size will be the main attraction =w=!

*The story will probably be told mostly from the receiver's point of view.

-Idea saved on 2024.02.07-

Theme: Love can bring daylight back into life.