Chapter 16 – Breaking Point
Yuji didn't know who moved first.
One second, Ren was standing inches away, his breath warm against Yuji's skin, his hand still twitching like he was holding himself back.
The next, Yuji had grabbed his shirt.
It wasn't planned. It wasn't thought through.
It was instinct — the unbearable pull of the bond finally winning.
---
Ren didn't resist.
His hand shot up, cupping the back of Yuji's neck, and then his mouth was on his.
The kiss was nothing like the dream.
It was rough, desperate, as if both of them were trying to burn away the fear and frustration in one reckless act.
Yuji gasped against him, fingers digging into Ren's jacket, trying to pull him closer, closer, until there was no space left between them.
Ren kissed him like he'd been holding back for years.
And maybe he had.
---
The bond roared, flooding Yuji with a dizzying mix of sensations — Ren's hunger, his guilt, his need so raw it made Yuji shiver.
It was too much.
And not enough.
---
When they finally pulled apart, they were both breathing hard, foreheads pressed together, still clinging to each other like letting go would hurt more than staying.
"This is a mistake," Yuji whispered, his voice trembling.
Ren's lips brushed his jaw. "I know."
Neither of them moved away.
---
For the first time, Yuji didn't care if it was his desire or Ren's.
Because in that moment, it felt like theirs.