The Infatuated Cannon Fodder Quits Chapter 84

The light from the hallway spilled through the small window on the door, casting a dim glow over the dark room. Xie Ruan gripped Bo Jin’s collar tightly and kissed him forcefully.

He wasn’t usually the bold type, even though they’d been together for so long. Most of the time, Bo Jin had to coax him into submission during their intimate moments.

But tonight—

In a fit of frustration, Xie Ruan bit down hard on Bo Jin’s lower lip, drawing blood, just as he wanted.

To h*ll with being shy! To h*ll with being reserved! This idiot was his, and he’d kiss him however he wanted.

Xie Ruan hadn’t realized before that Bo Jin, who always seemed carefree, actually carried such heavy burdens. To him, Bo Jin was practically invincible.

He was good at academics, admired by teachers and peers alike, handling everything with an ease that made it seem like nothing in the world could trouble him.

And so he’d trusted him, relied on him, and forgotten that even the strongest person could have a vulnerable side.

Breathless, Xie Ruan finally let go of Bo Jin, his voice trembling with emotion, “Try to leave me again. You were the one who pursued me first, and now you think you can just give up? No way!”

Hyperthymesia or not, he didn’t care about anything except the effect it had on Bo Jin. For him, none of that mattered.

In fact, if anything… Xie Ruan was a little happy.

Because of his family background, Xie Ruan harbored a deep sense of insecurity. Bo Jin was so exceptional that, the more time Xie Ruan spent with him, the more he liked him.

The initial attraction based on appearance had quietly evolved into something deeper.

He liked Bo Jin’s intelligence and effortless charm, and he even liked his playful roguishness.

Being with someone he loved was sweet.

Amidst the heavy school workload, being with Bo Jin was Xie Ruan’s sole comfort. They would secretly hold hands under the desk and exchange kisses out of sight from teachers and classmates.

Yet, Xie Ruan was still afraid—afraid that one day Bo Jin might stop liking him, and afraid that he might use the same charm he showed him on someone else.

If Bo Jin had hyperthymesia, if he could remember forever how he felt about him, then maybe they could stay like this, walking side by side, for a long, long time.

He steadied his heartbeat, gripped Bo Jin’s collar, seized the dim light in the darkness, and glared at him fiercely: “Did you hear me?”

Bo Jin looked at him in disbelief.

In the faint light, his gaze traced the boy’s chest rising and falling heavily, the way his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down, and those bright, star-like eyes. After a while, he suddenly let out a low laugh.

The laughter was deep and magnetic, brushing past Xie Ruan’s ear and sending a shiver through his whole body.

“What are you looking at!”

Bo Jin didn’t say anything, just stared at him, eyes full of amusement.

Xie Ruan didn’t know what he was laughing at. He only felt that his gaze was hot and intense, almost tangible as it landed on him, causing his cheeks to heat up instantly.

“You…”

Xie Ruan’s mouth was dry, his heart racing, more nervous and unsure than the first time he heard Bo Jin’s confession. He opened his mouth, trying to say something, but suddenly, Bo Jin held the back of his head.

In the next moment, Bo Jin’s kiss came without warning.

He kissed him deeply and intensely; Xie Ruan could barely breathe, instinctively taking deep breaths, which allowed Bo Jin to delve in further. His sensitive palate was gently brushed by the tip of Bo Jin’s tongue, making Xie Ruan shudder uncontrollably, his legs going weak.

His shirt had somehow become rumpled, and Bo Jin’s warm hand rested on his waist, supporting his entire body. Xie Ruan was forced to tilt his head back, enduring the increasingly fierce intensity.

In his daze, Xie Ruan heard Bo Jin say something.

But his mind was a blur, unable to comprehend. After a moment’s delay, he absentmindedly asked, “…What?”

Bo Jin chuckled, soothingly licking his pointed canine tooth, his voice low and teasing: “Why were you fixing your hair just now?”

Fixing his hair? What fixing?

Bo Jin could be genuinely fierce when he wanted to be, but he could also be exceptionally gentle. Xie Ruan felt comfortable and hazy under his light touches and kisses, his thoughts drifting somewhere far away. After a while, he finally understood what he meant.

“In…” He arched his back, suppressing a moan that was on the verge of escaping.

“Mm.” Bo Jin gave him a kiss on his earlobe as a reward, signaling for him to continue.

Xie Ruan’s ears were sensitive, unable to even handle a slight touch while getting a haircut, let alone Bo Jin’s deliberate nibbles. Whatever sense he had regained collapsed instantly, and after a while, he finally admitted, “In front of someone I like, of course, I have to care about my image.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, he suddenly realized what he’d said and wished he could dig a hole to crawl into.

Like—what like!

So chatty!

He’d meant to comfort Bo Jin, so how did it turn into a confession scene?

D*mn it!

Xie Ruan’s cheeks and neck turned completely red, and he didn’t even dare glance in Bo Jin’s direction.

Little did he know, his reaction greatly pleased Bo Jin.

Bo Jin gently stroked the back of Xie Ruan’s neck as if he were petting a small animal, his lips involuntarily curving into a smile.

It was strange—just moments ago, he’d been tormented by his inner pain, but now it seemed to have vanished completely. He still remembered the unpleasant memories, but Xie Ruan’s presence was like a healing balm; a single smile or a few words from him seemed to erase all his scars.

“I get it,” Bo Jin said, his voice laced with undisguised amusement.

“What do you get!” Xie Ruan was eager to change the subject, desperately trying to come up with something new to say. But before he could, Bo Jin replied, “I get that you like me.”

“Shut up!” Xie Ruan gritted his teeth and clapped a hand over Bo Jin’s mouth.

Isn’t this something that’s supposed to be understood without saying? Why bring it up?

This jerk was definitely doing it on purpose!

He’d acted all serious just now, and here he was, back to his usual self.

Bo Jin pulled down his hand and gave it a light kiss on the palm.

His lips were warm, the kiss soft, like a feather brushing against his skin and sending a tingling sensation through him. Xie Ruan instinctively pulled his hand back, but Bo Jin firmly held on.

“I like you too.”

Good looks really do give you an advantage.

Bo Jin’s high cheekbones, deep-set eyes, and long lashes made it so that when he looked up with that smile, he could practically drown someone in his gaze.

Xie Ruan deflated like a punctured balloon, the anger instantly dissipating.

He looked away, muttering a quiet “Oh.”

It was already past 10:30, and the lights in the corridor had gone out. Neither of them spoke, enjoying the quiet moment together.

This was the first conflict they’d had since they started dating, but after talking it out, they felt closer than ever.

Bo Jin, half-forcing and half-coaxing, settled Xie Ruan onto his lap, stroking the back of his head intermittently, and he, too, felt a sense of calm.

What he’d thought would be a descent into darkness turned out to be the beginning of a clear, unhindered path forward.

With a contented sigh, he kissed the top of Xie Ruan’s head, feeling unbelievably lucky to have found such a treasure.

At first, Xie Ruan tried to hold back, but eventually, he couldn’t take Bo Jin’s teasing any longer: “What, are you petting a cat?”

Bo Jin, in high spirits, smiled and said, “Then let’s hear you meow.”

“Get lost!”

He knew he couldn’t stay serious for more than two minutes.

He hesitated for a moment, then looked a bit more earnest. “So, are we calling this matter closed?”

Xie Ruan felt he had been clear enough, but to ensure Bo Jin didn’t overthink things, he couldn’t help but confirm again.

Bo Jin, absorbed in playing with Xie Ruan’s hair, gave a lazy “Mhm” in response.

“Be serious,” Xie Ruan huffed, giving him a playful punch. “I’m talking to you seriously here.”

“Alright,” Bo Jin chuckled, pressing his forehead to Xie Ruan’s. “Not scared of me, really?”

Xie Ruan scoffed, turning his head away. “You think you’re a tiger or something? Scaring everyone away? Don’t flatter yourself, God Bo.”

Bo Jin knew he was indirectly comforting him, and his heart warmed. “Alright.”

“Then let’s make a pact to say what’s on our minds, alright?” Xie Ruan added.

“Say what’s on our minds?” Bo Jin straightened, suddenly intrigued.

Unfortunately, Xie Ruan was too focused on his mission to “save” his boyfriend and didn’t notice Bo Jin’s growing interest. He nodded decisively. “Mhm.”

Then Bo Jin made his move.

He smirked, wrapping his arms around Xie Ruan and flipping him onto the bed.

The bed springs squeaked under the weight, making an ominous creak in the dark.

“What are you doing?” Xie Ruan’s sense of foreboding rose. Trying to sit up, he propped himself on his elbows, but Bo Jin quickly caught his wrists, pinning him to the edge of the bed.

“Didn’t you say we should say what’s on our minds?” Bo Jin laughed softly, deliberately slipping off Xie Ruan’s shirt. “Right now, I just want to…” He lowered his head, whispering a few words in Xie Ruan’s ear.

Xie Ruan: “!!!”

Had he just dug his own grave?

That was definitely not his intention!

“You—” Xie Ruan’s breath quickened. Swallowing, he turned his head away from Bo Jin’s gaze. “No.”

“Why not?” Bo Jin wasn’t in a rush. He continued to tease him, slowly asking as he tightened his grip.

“Because…” Xie Ruan wasn’t sure what spot Bo Jin had just touched, but he gasped softly before saying, “I-I haven’t showered yet.”

“Doesn’t matter,” Bo Jin replied, his hand sliding to Xie Ruan’s waist. “I haven’t either. We can shower together later.”

“No.” Realizing Bo Jin was serious, Xie Ruan quickly grabbed his hand, pressing it down. “We’re in the dorm.”

“So?” Bo Jin held back a laugh, continuing to taunt him. “There’s no one else here.”

Xie Ruan didn’t catch on to his mischievous intent. Thinking Bo Jin was genuinely serious, he clung to his hand, not daring to let go. “No, not at school. What if…” Embarrassment made him stammer, “What if someone hears?”

Bo Jin, relentless, pressed on, “Then keep your voice down.”

Xie Ruan: “…”

Mortified, Xie Ruan wanted to crawl under the bed. Even the title he never used slipped out. “Brother, we can’t. Please, brother…”

Meeting his slightly pleading eyes, Bo Jin felt his resolve waver, almost losing all self-control. Taking a deep breath, he rasped, “As long as it’s not at school?”

Xie Ruan bowed his head deeply, giving a soft “Mhm.”

Bo Jin wasn’t letting up, though. Unsatisfied, his right hand inched lower in a mock threat. “Just tell me where and how. Otherwise, how will I know?”

Xie Ruan’s eyes widened.

With his face flushed, Xie Ruan couldn’t bring himself to say it.

“Well?”

His lashes quivered, his whole body curling up in embarrassment. Finally, he managed a few words.

Bo Jin’s gaze darkened, and he left a faint mark on Xie Ruan’s neck as if in revenge. “I’ll remember this.” Gently rubbing the mark, he looked deep into Xie Ruan’s eyes. “You’d better be ready.”

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