THE two started walking on the street of Alryne City. As usual, many gazes followed after them. Naturally becoming the center of attention without even trying. Luo Yan glanced secretly at Shen Ji Yun’s side profile. He was as expressionless as ever. But because of the addition of Eclipse in his arms, his usual cold atmosphere was negated by about half.

  Now that they were alone, Luo Yan actually felt a bit awkward. He was not sure how he should act around Shen Ji Yun. It’s fine when they were just messaging each other on WeChat since they couldn’t see each other directly. But, here in the game, it almost felt like they were interacting for real. The only difference was the slight change in their real appearance.

  He once again lamented on why he suddenly realized his own feelings. He didn’t think too much about it for the past three days since his ’magical realization’. But now that they were walking side by side like this, he was experiencing the full impact of that realization.

  Suddenly, he had no idea how he should act in front of Shen Ji Yun. Like a kid nervously fretting on his first day of school. He seriously didn’t want to be all awkward around him. Almost three months since they met each other and all of a sudden he would start acting so weird. Shen Ji Yun would definitely notice that something was wrong. But what could he do? Even now, as they walked together in this virtual world, he could hear his own heart thumping uncontrollably.

  At this point, he wasn’t really enjoying this feeling.

  He wasn’t yet ready for this. And yet, it seemed like this annoying heart of his was forcefully making a decision for him. He didn’t like it. Not one bit.

  He let out a frustrated sigh. But could he really blame his stupid heart? He glanced once again at Shen Ji Yun. Just look at that perfect face, how could anyone resist that? One look at him and anyone would be falling one step into a deep valley. Yes, he could be cold, expressionless, and totally unresponsive. But those things were also part of what made him so charming. Then he also had that innocent and warm side that’s totally the opposite of the image he’s projecting. Just who could resist that?

  And this big cinnamon roll was totally oblivious to his current suffering.

  Once again, he couldn’t help but let out a frustrated sigh.

  "Yan Yan?" called Shen Ji Yun, noticing that that was already the second time that Luo Yan let out a long sigh as if he was frustrated or irritated or something. "Is something the matter?"

  Luo Yan looked at Shen Ji Yun whose worry was obvious on his face. And he just wanted to sigh again. But he resisted and did his best to act normal. Well, as normal as he could under this circ.u.mstance.

  He smiled. "I’m fine. Just thinking of something."

  Eclipse raised his head from Shen Ji Yun’s arms. Then he jumped off and landed perfectly on Luo Yan’s shoulder. [Mashter, are you really alright?]

  Luo Yan glanced sideways at his pet fox. [Now you’re worried for me? Weren’t you just enjoying your time in the arms of your favorite captain?]

  Eclipse suddenly hugged his neck. [Mashter, Eclipse just enjoy seeing Captain again. You’re still Eclipse’s number one.]

  [Yeah, yeah.] – He just said before this little guy started fake crying again.

  But because of that short conversation, his beating heart finally calmed down. He felt like he could interact normally now with Shen Ji Yun. He ruffled Eclipse’s fluffy head. All thanks to this guy breaking the invisible ice.

  "Did something happen when you registered earlier for the Rookie Carnival?" Shen Ji Yun asked, clearly still worried.

  "No, everything went well," Luo Yan answered. "I’m really fine, Brother Ji Yun."

  Shen Ji Yun stared at Luo Yan. He seemed to be really alright. At least, right now. But he was certain that that wasn’t the case earlier. Then a possible reason for the other’s attitude entered his mind. Perhaps Luo Yan didn’t want to do the tasks with him today. Maybe he didn’t want to spend time with him. He didn’t want to ask. Because what if it was true? His heart would seriously receive a huge blow.

  But he knew that he still had to. If Luo Yan was uncomfortable being with him right now, then it’s only right to give him space. Even if he really didn’t want to.

  "Yan Yan, do you perhaps, well, ahm, not want to be with me right now?"

  Luo Yan was startled by the question. He turned to Shen Ji Yun and visibly felt the depressed atmosphere around him. If the other was a puppy, he could probably see his ears and tails drooping right now. But what made him ask that question?

  Wait- could it be possible that he was being so obvious earlier? No, he didn’t do anything that would result conclusion. Wait- he did do something, he sighed twice. But that’s all he did! Could Shen Ji Yun perceive so much from such small actions? Well, maybe he could. Only if it had something to do with Luo Yan.

  He felt an unprecedented warmth when he thought of that possibility. He really should get his act together. He couldn’t let Shen Ji Yun worry about him at every turn. Especially since he knew that there’s just no way that he could avoid the other. Not that he ever wanted to or anything. Despite the annoyances brought by his ’realization’, he would hate it even more if he stopped his interaction with Shen Ji Yun.

  Luo Yan took a deep breath and hugged the other’s arm. Then he raised his head towards him and smiled. He probably didn’t even notice how beautiful and sweet his smile was.

  "How could that be possible?" he said, pertaining to the other’s question. "I love being with Brother Ji Yun."

  And just like that, Shen Ji Yun’s whole face turned bright red.