The Mortal Boy's Thruth

> A crushing pressure hit his chest.

The weight of memories he didn't have, the weight of emotions he didn't understand, the weight of a bond that wrapped around his soul like invisible chains.

His vision blurred. His breathing stuttered.

And then—

Strong arms caught him.

He was lifted gently off the ground. Against a warm, firm chest that radiated otherworldly heat. The scent of smoke, shadow, and something old and familiar filled his nose.

"Hey," Ruin whispered, carrying him with a gentleness that made Yun Hao's heart ache. "I've got you."

Yun Hao didn't respond. He was tired. Not physically—but emotionally ripped apart. His body wasn't used to feeling like this. So many things he didn't understand. So many things he didn't ask for.

But in Ruin's arms… he didn't fight.

Not right now.

Ruin walked into the bedroom, pushed the door open with his foot, and laid him gently on the bed.

He didn't try anything.

Didn't touch more than needed.

He just covered Yun Hao with a blanket, brushed his hair away from his sweaty forehead, and sat beside him.

"…Do you want to hear more?" Ruin asked quietly. "About who you were? Who we were?"

Yun Hao blinked slowly. "I don't know if I can handle it."

"That's okay," Ruin said. "You don't have to know everything at once."

Yun Hao turned his head slightly, voice hoarse.

"Will more monsters come for me?"

"Yes," Ruin said without hesitation. "Because they think if they kill your human body… they can harvest your soul while it's still unawakened."

"Can they?"

Ruin's gaze darkened.

"No. Not while I'm here."

That should have sounded like a threat. But it didn't.

It sounded like a vow.

A quiet promise that didn't need flowery words.

Yun Hao's eyes fluttered shut for a second. "You're not what I expected."

"Let me guess. You thought demons were all fire, destruction, and bad pickup lines?"

"I still think you're full of bad pickup lines," Yun Hao mumbled, eyes half-lidded. "But you killed a monster for me. Twice. And you carried me like a damn prince."

Ruin chuckled lowly. "You always liked being carried. Even in your past life."

"Shut up."

"I missed you."

That made Yun Hao freeze.

His eyes opened again slowly.

"…You shouldn't say things like that."

"Why not?"

"Because I don't remember you," he whispered. "And yet… when you say it, it hurts."

Ruin looked at him quietly.

Then leaned in closer.

He didn't kiss him.

Didn't try to steal a moment.

Instead, he placed his forehead gently against Yun Hao's, their breaths mingling in the space between.

"You don't have to remember for me to stay," he said. "I'll protect you either way. Until you choose what to do with me."

Yun Hao's heart fluttered.

He didn't know what he felt.

But he didn't want Ruin to leave.

And maybe, just maybe, that was enough—for now.