The Inconceivable Flame: A Fallen Angel's Disguise

Dalai Lama once said, "Sleep is the best meditation."

It is in fact very true. But what really is the essence of meditation?

Meditation allows us to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally stable state. And to achieve mental clarity and emotional stability we have to relax our soul. Only then our tension and stress will dwell.

As for to relax one’s soul, what better way there could possibly be than to lie in the arms of that particular one whose soul is connected to yours with a red thread of destiny. Listening to the heartbeat of that one which matches the rhythm of your own perfect-ly and makes a beautiful melody.

There might be no better lullaby than this in the whole world.

And there might be no better sight than the one Xiao Zhiren could see. With the soft rays of the sun falling on the back of her head, her face buried in his neck, and serenity on her distinct face. She looked so beautiful and her lips looked so inviting that Xiao Zhiren was having a hard time holding in his urge to just kiss the hell out of her.

She stirred a bit before lifting her hand to rub her eyes. At that moment, she looked so adorable that Xiao Zhiren finally lost it. He dipped his head and pecked her lips without restraint as he said, "Good morning, love!"

Ru was awake. Very awake now as her body was stiffened and her eyes were stuck on Xiao Zhiren’s face that was looking handsome, refreshed. Did she mention handsome? Okay, there was no harm in repeating, right?

He was grinning like a fool as he stared back at her shocked look. Ru slowly became aware of his presence as in, she finally noted how there was a heavy arm snaked around her waist while his other arm was wrapped around her shoulders and was tangled in her hair.

’Wasn’t he numb by now?’ That was the first thought that came to Ru’s mind, surprising her. Wasn’t she supposed to push him away first? Why was she worried about his well-being? That was so not like herself. Did someone take possession of her mind? Or body? Or perhaps, both?

Because even now, instead of pushing him away Ru stayed in his arms while her mind worried about his health. On its own accord, her hand went up to his forehead and when she noted that he wasn’t burning like last night, a sigh escaped her mouth. Not just Ru even Xiao Zhiren was shocked to see her behavior.

She was really worried about him. Haiz! He could really die in peace now. Xiao Zhiren’s mind was clouded with these mushy thoughts.

On the other hand, Ru squirmed in his arms but he didn’t loosen his grip. Not letting her escape at all. It wasn’t every day one would be able to hold Ru, right? So, Xiao Zhiren was going to take advantage of each and every moment of it.

She raised her hand to punch him when she heard his voice, "I’m still sick. Is this how you’re supposed to treat a patient?"

Although Ru could retort with the fact that he didn’t have a fever anymore, she didn’t do so. After all, with how high his fever was she could tell he must be feeling weak even now. It was better not to stimulate him or get violent.

With an awkward cough, she said, "I remember, I slept there." Ru pointed at the stool and Xiao Zhiren nodded not even bothering to look anywhere other than her face.

"You did. But I was worried you’d be uncomfortable there. So, being a big-hearted person I opened my arms for you." It took a moment for Ru to digest his shameless words. Really? Was he praising himself?

Oh, I really had a bad influence on him! How could he turn into such a narcissistic son of a bachelor! He’s gonna put me to shame at this rate!

Taking a deep calming breath, Ru stated matter-of-factly, "I’m more uncomfortable here."

"Really?" Xiao Zhiren gave her guilty look before rolling her body onto himself. "This must be more comfortable. You like hard things anyway."

Ru’s jaw dropped at his sudden move and words. Okay! His body was taut and she’d gladly accept it. But how dare he! Was he treating her like a broken or fragile doll or something? This thought was disturbing more than the fact that her whole body was sprawled on his like he was the mattress.

She punched his arm in rage and he pouted, "My little chili, I have a fever. How can you be so violent?"

"You don’t have a fever anymore." Ru bit out in exasperation while raising her hand again.

This time, he again held her hand in his own and brought it to touch his forehead saying, "Feel it carefully. Fever is there."

"I can’t feel it." Ru insisted.

"Love, feel with love. It is there." Xiao Zhiren also seemed adamant.

"You! I said it’s not-" her words died down at the tip of her tongue when Xiao Zhiren slid her hand down and pressed his lips against her palm.

With a silly smile, he added, "I agree. Now, the fever is gone."

Ru gave him the last punch on his chest before frantically getting off his bed. "You’re getting audacious!" She stated loud and clear.

"Hmm... Well, that’s the only trait you don’t have," Xiao Zhiren replied helplessly as he looked at her back. He could tell she was flustered. There was no way that her heart was made of steel and his advances had not the slightest bit of effect on her.

As for Ru, wasn’t it enough that her lips could feel the tingle of his lingering presence from earlier? Now, her palm was on fire and as for her body, she could still feel the sensations left by the friction between their fully clothed bodies.

She didn’t confront him again and went to wash her face. And even when the water touched her lips, she felt dazed. The water’s coldness was a striking contrast to his hot, moist and soft lips. And this contrast made her body shiver whether it was in repulse or delicious anticipation, who knew? Even young master Ru wasn’t aware.

Or maybe she was aware somewhere deep inside her heart. However, she was just not ready to acknowledge that buried awareness.

As she came out, she found Xiao Zhiren talking to the doctor. "The fever has gone down now. But your body has taken a blow because of your mental health. You shouldn’t stress so much and give your mind and body some rest."

"When can I discharge?" Xiao Zhiren was asking.

"We have done some last-minute tests to be certain. Just wait for a couple of hours and if the tests are clear, you’re good to go." The doctor replied professionally.

"Thank you!" Xiao Zhiren replied politely and the doctor left the room, not without glancing towards Ru who was standing at the side. Xiao Zhiren also looked at her and when she didn’t move, he called out, "Hey, come here!"

Ru crossed her arms over her chest as she asked condescendingly, "Do you think I’ll fall for it again?"

Xiao Zhiren didn’t mind her attitude. Not even the least bit. If she was throwing tantrum before him that meant he had managed to move a step ahead again in their relationship, right?

"Love, can’t you just listen to me for once without arguing?"

Ru didn’t even take a minute before replying, "Nope. Our relationship will get boring otherwise."

Seeing the smirk that appeared on Xiao Zhiren’s face, Ru realized she said something wrong. But what? Ah! ’Relationship?’

"Wipe that smirk off. Don’t overthink. A relationship could be any kind of relationship. Even a friendship one or brotherhood one." Ru stammered her way to complete this sentence.

Xiao Zhiren didn’t lose his smirk, it only became more prominent as he said, "You’re right. A relationship can be of any kind. Even..." He left his words hanging for Ru’s imagination to run wild which he knew she won’t be able to control.

"Fuck! Something is certainly wrong with me. Last night, I said to Ji Syaoran that I like Xiao Zhiren and now, this... This whole relationship talk. What the!" Ru muttered as she turned to leave with a huff. Staying with this man was becoming challenging and she was afraid, she might really lose something to him. It could be either her rationality or her whole self.

"Did you just say you like me?"

Holy cricket! Why am I talking so much rubbish!