AS [EXTRA 2]

Extra 2: After That (2)

The moment the last report and final design project were submitted, and the credits for the first semester of their freshman year were finally secured, they could finally enjoy the winter break with peace of mind.

Xu Wenhao was a man of his word. Once Lü Chenyue decided on the dates for their trip, he immediately requested leave from the company without hesitation.

On the first morning of their break, Xu Wenhao picked up the luggage, while Lü Chenyue carried the pet basket, ready to head out.

Once they were both in the car, Lü Chenyue took out a red piece of cloth, seemingly a charm, from his bag.

“This is the protective charm I got,” he said.

Xu Wenhao smiled lightly and shook his navy-blue wristband.

“My real charm is right here,” he replied.

Lü Chenyue was slightly stunned, warmth spreading through his chest, and then a bright, genuine smile appeared on his face.

After putting away the charm Lü Chenyue had given him, the two of them, along with their cat, were about to embark on a three-day, two-night trip.

They had decided to take a trip to the eastern region.

Xu Wenhao still considered himself an inadequate boyfriend. He had promised to let Lü Chenyue slowly find himself, to learn to love himself before loving others. With him by his side, Lü Chenyue had learned to smile more, to approach people more confidently.

But that wasn’t enough—he wanted to see even more smiles from Lü Chenyue, to see him completely open up.

Since this time Lü Chenyue had taken the initiative to make a request, how could he possibly refuse? He was overjoyed; his Chenyue had finally taken this step. If he could indulge him just a little more, let him be spoiled and clingy, Xu Wenhao felt like he could soar into the sky.

Because Xu Wenhao was driving, Lü Chenyue worried that he might get too tired, so at every popular tourist spot, whenever there was a place to rest, he made sure Xu Wenhao could take a break.

However, noticing Lü Chenyue’s concern, Xu Wenhao said with some helplessness, “We’re out to have fun. Don’t be so tense—I don’t feel tired at all.”

“I’m sorry… it’s just that you’re driving, and I’m worried you’ll get too tired…” Lü Chenyue said apologetically.

“I’m not tired.” Xu Wenhao gave him a reassuring smile. “I’m really happy to be able to go on a proper date with you.” He pointed out the window at the scenery. “I didn’t expect this place to be so beautiful.”

Even though it was winter, at least it wasn’t raining—so it was good weather.

“This place is really beautiful,” Lü Chenyue said, awestruck by the scenery. If it were summer, it would be even more breathtaking.

The car stopped and started along the way, allowing them to enjoy the beautiful sights. As evening approached, they decided to visit a local night market to fill their stomachs, and after the market, continue on to the hotel where they would be staying for the night.

They hadn’t planned a strict schedule—they didn’t want to be constrained by time while on vacation. The hotel, however, was chosen by Lü Chenyue after looking at a few options and discussing them with Xu Wenhao. They finally decided on a pet-friendly hotel, which also happened to have hot springs.

The hotel room had a private hot spring bath, perfect for the winter season.

After asking Lü Chenyue to sit and rest on the lobby sofa, Xu Wenhao went to the front desk to check in. Once that was done, they headed to their assigned room, set down their luggage, and prepared to enjoy a relaxing soak to ease their fatigue.

After bathing, Xu Wenhao dried his hair and lay down on the bed with his eyes closed.

Lü Chenyue took care of folding and packing the clothes they had worn into plastic bags. When he finished and turned to look at the bed, he thought Xu Wenhao was asleep.

With a worried expression, Lü Chenyue walked over and sat beside Xu Wenhao, brushing a fingertip gently across his cheek, whispering, “I’m sorry… I know you must be really tired…”

Xu Wenhao suddenly opened his eyes, rolled over, and pinned Lü Chenyue between himself and the bed.

“If you keep saying things like that, I’ll have to shut your mouth—hard!” His voice was both gentle and commanding.

“You’re not asleep yet?” Lü Chenyue exclaimed, lowering his gaze with an apologetic tone.

“Don’t lie to me… these past few days you’ve been working overtime for me… mmm—”

To earn extra money for their trip, Xu Wenhao had been working late into the night. Lü Chenyue had always known this.

Before Lü Chenyue could finish, Xu Wenhao sealed his mouth with a heated kiss. Their lips and tongues intertwined for a long moment, leaving a thin silver line when they parted.

Xu Wenhao’s lips and tongue traveled from Lü Chenyue’s neck to his graceful collarbone… and then to the soft pink peaks of his chest, gently taking them into his mouth, sucking tenderly…

The warmth from the hot spring had begun to fade, but Xu Wenhao’s teasing reignited their shared heat. Their breathing grew rapid, and even Lü Chenyue’s soft moans escaped.

Xu Wenhao’s hands moved skillfully, heightening Lü Chenyue’s arousal, his deep eyes darkening with desire.

Watching Lü Chenyue’s passionate expressions and hearing his teasing moans, Xu Wenhao slowed his movements, taking care, showing that his stamina was still strong.

They reached their climax together, Xu Wenhao’s final thrust bringing them to simultaneous release.

As Xu Wenhao began to pull away, Lü Chenyue anxiously clung to his back, summoning the courage to speak the words he had kept inside: “I really… really like you…”

Xu Wenhao paused, gazing down with tenderness at his lover, and softly said, “Fool… I like you even more than you imagine!”

He then kissed Lü Chenyue gently as he withdrew.

Finally able to voice the feelings he had kept hidden, hearing Xu Wenhao’s words feel like a promise, Lü Chenyue’s chest warmed and his eyes filled. He remembered what Lin Xiangling had told him on graduation day:

“…Wenhao would never let the ‘perhaps’ in your heart happen. He’s not that kind of person.”

Lü Chenyue realized Xu Wenhao’s feelings were genuine. Every day spent with him reminded Lü Chenyue how undeserving he had once felt himself to be, afraid to accept Xu Wenhao’s overflowing affection.

It wasn’t that he hadn’t dared to enter Xu Wenhao’s heart—it was that he couldn’t let go of his past self. He had been too afraid to step out of his own insecurities.

Now, standing here, he felt like he had finally grasped something…

Lü Chenyue finally understood. This feeling… this was what happiness truly felt like.

(To be continued…)