Arc 2 : Blood and love That day was marked by two significant encounters.

The first, in the morning, was between Ashlay and Gwenval’s aunt.

Since the previous day, the young man had been preparing for his meeting with another member of his partner’s family. He wanted to look his best. He had almost taken it upon himself to win over the entire Altaha family.

Despite being someone very organized, he had turned his whole room upside down. Clothes were scattered all over the floor and his bed. Ashlay tried on more than ten outfits, switching between shirts, jackets, and trousers, before settling on the one that suited him. He looked as though he were preparing for an interview with an extremely important client. One mistake and he could lose a multi-billion-dollar contract.

On the big day, Gwenval arrived early at her aunt's house to help her cook and chat while waiting for Ashlay.

Lim Sun Hi was excited to meet her nephew’s boyfriend. She and Gwenval were very close. So close, that she was the first person in the family to know about Ashlay and Gwenval's relationship. Gwenval considered her as much a friend as an aunt. She had always been a confidante and a refuge whenever he felt lonely or overwhelmed. Even after he started his career, he continued to visit and call her regularly. So it was only natural that he would introduce Ashlay to her.

“Gwen, I’ll start preparing the som tam¹. Peel and grate the papayas while I take care of the other ingredients.”

“Right away, Aunt Sun Hi.”

Upon learning that Ashlay was Thai, the aunt had prepared some traditional dishes from his homeland. She wanted to make a good impression, too.

When Ashlay arrived, he stepped out of his car holding two sumptuous bouquets. The first, made up of white lilies, was intended for Gwenval’s aunt, while the second, a mixture of red and white roses, was for his beloved musician. He immediately scored points.

Both the aunt and her nephew were caught off guard, but pleasantly surprised. Lim Sun Hi found Ashlay very charming.

For the rest of the day, she carefully observed the young man without being too intrusive : he was always attentive and ready to help, despite being a guest, and he couldn't take his eyes off Gwenval.

Ashlay hadn’t expected to meet someone so warm and caring, either. Unlike Lioren, she was very welcoming and treated him as though he were her own nephew. She was also an excellent cook.

____

Early in the evening, Gwenval and Ashlay left Lim Sun Hi’s house, heading for their second appointment of the day.

They parked in the lot of a small, inconspicuous building on the outskirts of town. Few streetlights, no lights inside, a heavy silence hung in the air. The scene could have been straight out of a horror movie.

The couple walked around to the back door and entered. Automatic lights illuminated their way. Gwenval calmly followed Ashlay, taking in every detail of the building.

A few minutes later, they stopped in front of a room. Initially plunged into darkness, the room lit up all at once the moment Gwenval stepped across the threshold. About thirty people welcomed them with confetti and cheers.

"SURPRISE!"

A large banner reading "Welcome to the Shadows" was hung on the wall. There was also a long table laid out with all kinds of hors d'oeuvres and appetizers, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

All the Shadows members were used to being unmasked in their headquarters. They were all excited because today was the first time they will discover the identity of Dark Angel. Everyone had made their guesses and even placed bets. However, no one had expected the fighter to be a famous musician.

It didn't take long before the members began to question the couple:

“How did you two meet?”

“What do you like most about Mr Nienrao?”

“How far have you gone?”

“I love your music, can I have an autograph?”

Ashlay stuck to Gwenval’s side like a guard dog. Ever since the rescue mission at the port, it had been clear to everyone that Dark Angel was more than just a friend of their leader. Some even jokingly referred to him as "sister-in-law", out of both respect and teasing.

Gwenval felt slightly embarrassed by the nickname, but he let it slide. While talking to a few people, Gwenval realized that the members came from a wide range of professions and background. Police officers, shopkeepers, bodyguards, former athletes, teachers and even students to name a few. The musician was curious to know how each of them had ended up in this group.

A little later, Hao Ming arrived with Kaelan and Il Young. Once again, everyone was shocked. Many fell under Kaelan’s charm. First Gwenval, and now him. When had the Shadows decided to start a modelling agency?

Like Ashlay, Hao Ming stayed close to the painter to discourage any flirting.

Il Young was a little intimidated at first, but he quickly found his place. He was very happy to be joining the group. Given his skills, Ashlay offered him a place among the Shadows, which he accepted immediately.

The rest of the evening was filled with joy and good spirits. Gwenval drank a little for the occasion, but didn’t have more than two glasses. Hao Ming and Il Young didn’t drink at all. Ashlay handled alcohol well, unlike Kaelan, who had been dancing on a table for half an hour, encouraged by the applause of his new admirers.

The party ended shortly after midnight. Kaelan had fallen asleep in Hao Ming’s arms, clutching his coat tightly. Hao Ming took him home with Il Young. Gwenval left with Ashlay.

___

When they arrived at the musician's house, Eika greeted them with a soft meow. Despite the late hour, she was still waiting for her master.

Ashlay had initially planned to go home after dropping off the musician, but ultimately decided to stay the night. Although it wasn’t the first time they had found themselves alone together, the atmosphere between the two young men felt different that evening. Perhaps it was the alcohol, but Ashlay found Gwenval especially sexy with his slightly tipsy face.

They had barely set foot in the living room when Ashlay embraced the musician from behind and pressed his lips to his neck.

Gwenval was startled by the sudden display of affection, but didn’t pull away. Ashlay kissed Gwenval's neck for a while before moving in front of him and kissing him on the mouth. First tenderly, then with increasing passion.

Gwenval stopped him.

“Ashlay... We should go to bed. Don’t you have a meeting tomorrow morning?”

“... Hmm… I’ll tell Ha Ri to postpone it…”

Ashlay’s hands began to wander beneath the fabric covering the musician’s body.

“Hyung... Let’s go to the bedroom.” he suggested calmly.

Gwenval shivered. Since they had officially become a couple, Ashlay had occasionally called him that, mainly to tease him. But right now, the word carried a completely different tone.

Ashlay tightened his hold around Gwenval’s waist and continued to kiss him.

“... Do you agree?” Ashlay whispered, his voice laced with desire.

Gwenval caressed Ashlay’s face and nodded.

Ashlay lifted Gwenval in one swift move and carried him to the bed. He positioned himself above the musician, resuming their kiss while beginning to undress him.

They were still in darkness, the faint light from outside reflecting in the musician’s eyes. Ashlay began to explore Gwenval’s body, awakening a burning desire in him. He had dreamed of this moment for a long time.

“Ashlay…”

Gwenval trembled slightly. Ashlay brought his face closer.

“Are you okay, Gwen Gwen? We can stop if you want to—”

The musician shook his head.

"It's fine... It's just that I'm not used to...this kind of thing..." he admitted timidly.

Ashlay kissed Gwenval's forehead before removing his shirt.

“Don’t worry, Gwen Gwen. I’ll be gentle.”

The room filled with the sounds of their breathing, the rustling of fabric and the warmth of their caresses. They moved together in a rhythm that was both new and familiar. A dance that spoke of love, trust and a future yet to be written.

____

Glossary:

1. Som tam : a Thai salad consisting of shredded green papaya, peanuts, chillies, lime juice, fish sauce and other ingredients, such as carrots or tomatoes.