Chapter 20: 19. My Home

The world outside Xia Fei’s studio buzzed with life as usual. It had been a productive day, and the photoshoot had wrapped up without a hitch. While packing his things, his phone buzzed.

It was Vein.

Vein: When are you done?

Xia Fei: Just finished up.

Vein: Good. Come back early. Dinner’s already ready.

Xia Fei: You cooked?

Vein: You’ll see.

Xia Fei smirked at his phone, shaking his head. Vein rarely cooked, and the thought of him doing it now brought an amused smile to his face. Sliding his phone into his pocket, he grabbed his bag and headed out, his pace lighter than usual.

---

When Xia Fei arrived at the penthouse, the door clicked open to a flood of warm, savory aromas. The place smelled amazing, and as he stepped inside, he spotted Vein in the kitchen, finishing up with a ladle in hand. Vein’s sleeves were rolled up, his hair slightly disheveled, a rare but domestic sight that made Xia Fei pause for a moment.

“You’re late,” Vein said without looking up, though the corner of his lips tugged into a smirk.

“I’m right on time,” Xia Fei shot back, kicking off his shoes and making his way over. He peeked over Vein’s shoulder at the table, spotting an array of dishes. “You actually cooked. Should I be concerned?”

Vein chuckled, setting the ladle down. “You’re concerned because I can handle everything?”

“More like concerned you might’ve gotten tired of me and poisoned the food,” Xia Fei teased, smirking as he sat at the table.

Vein raised an eyebrow, smirking back. “Taste it and find out.”

Xia Fei took a bite of the tender meat from one of the dishes and pretended to chew slowly, narrowing his eyes. “Hmm… Are you sure this isn’t…human flesh?”

Vein froze for half a second, then rolled his eyes with an exasperated sigh. “Eat it or starve.”

Xia Fei burst into laughter, unable to keep up the joke any longer. “Relax, boss. It’s great. Honestly.”

“Of course it is.” Vein crossed his arms, but a flicker of amusement danced in his gaze.

---

Dinner was peaceful, filled with light conversation and teasing banter. They talked about Xia Fei’s recent work and Vein’s recovery, their lives blending seamlessly in these quiet moments.

After cleaning up the dishes together (despite Vein’s insistence that Xia Fei sit and relax), they moved to the living room. Vein poured two glasses of wine, settling beside Xia Fei on the couch.

“You’ve been working too hard lately,” Vein said, watching him closely.

“So have you,” Xia Fei countered, swirling his glass.

Vein smirked. “Fair point. But I think we both deserve some time to unwind.”

Xia Fei leaned back, letting the wine warm him. “You’re in a good mood today.”

“Shouldn’t I be?” Vein replied, setting his glass down. There was something unreadable in his eyes now, something deeper. “In fact, I have an idea.”

Before Xia Fei could respond, Vein stood and pulled him to his feet in one smooth motion.

“Vein, what are you—” Xia Fei’s words caught in his throat as Vein effortlessly picked him up, carrying him toward the bedroom.

“Relax,” Vein said with a smirk. “You’ll thank me later.”

“Put me down! I’m not some—”

The bedroom door clicked shut behind them as Vein pushed it open with his foot. Xia Fei was set down gently on the bed, but before he could protest further, Vein leaned over him, their faces inches apart.

The playful smirk on Vein’s lips softened into something more tender as he raised a hand to trace Xia Fei’s cheek.

“I won’t be gentle this time,” Vein whispered, his voice low, sending a shiver down Xia Fei’s spine.

Xia Fei’s heart raced as Vein closed the distance between them, capturing his lips in a kiss that was both deep and consuming. His hands instinctively clutched at Vein’s shirt, pulling him closer as their breaths mingled in the dim light.

Vein’s kisses trailed down his jawline to his neck, where he left a trail of heated hickeys that made Xia Fei’s cheeks flush a deeper shade of red. Each touch was deliberate, lingering, and filled with unspoken emotion.

“Boss…” Xia Fei murmured, his voice a mix of surprise and surrender.

Vein paused, looking down at him with a rare softness in his usually sharp gaze. “What?”

Xia Fei hesitated, then let out a breathless laugh. “You’re still so damn annoying.”

Vein smirked, brushing a strand of hair from Xia Fei’s face. “And you’re mine.”

The night stretched on, filled with warmth and closeness, their connection deepening in the quiet safety of each other’s arms.

---

The morning light crept through the curtains as Xia Fei stirred awake. He blinked, his body pleasantly heavy and his mind hazy from the night before. Beside him, Vein was still asleep, his arm draped possessively over Xia Fei’s waist.

Xia Fei studied him for a moment, his usual sharpness softened by sleep. He couldn’t help but smile, his heart swelling with an unfamiliar but welcome warmth.

In that moment, he realized that no matter how chaotic their lives were, no matter what challenges lay ahead, this—Vein—was his home.

And he wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Because the love they shared was more worth than everything else in the world.

-

The end.