The word makes its way past Yao Shen's lips as if pulled by a thread, "Yes."
Xin Hulei nods, and the tight tension around his shoulders uncoils, as if now that he has an answer some of the uncertainty has finally drained off.
Yao Shen experiences the exact opposite; every muscle and sinew on his body going taut like a pulled string.
"Is it related to me?" Xin Hulei asks, his gaze unwavering.
"Yes," Yao Shen says, but this time of his own volition.
He lets out a sigh of relief that turns into a huff when Xin Hulei pulls him against his chest. "Did someone harm you?"
Every second Yao Shen doesn't answer, he feels Xin Hulei's heartbeat speed up under his cheek.
His face might not show anything, but his heart betrays him.
Yao Shen tightens his fingers in the fabric of Xin Hulei's shirt.
"No one did anything," he says, his tone low. "They want me to do something to you, though."
