For some time, only the steady sound of the waves remained in his ears. Neither Chase nor Josh spoke. They looked at each other. However, Josh was experiencing something louder than ever. His heart was pounding like crazy, making it impossible to think. He was aware of how strong his pulse was. Yet, his eyes kept dropping, his ears burning with an intensity that almost felt self-destructive. When he finally managed to tear his gaze away and look up, he choked again. There was a face there. That damn pretty face was staring right at Josh.
"…"
"…"
Silence fell between them. The waves continued their rhythmic crashing. Yet, his heavy breathing sounded even louder. Josh panicked, choked, and coughed belatedly.
"Sorry I'm late. I got your message…"
Suddenly, Josh remembered that this man had once tried to drown him. Why now? He wondered but found no answer. Fortunately, the momentary fear cooled his racing heart.
"If you don't mind, I'll…"
Don't go out to sea alone. Don't wander around at night like this. Have you not regained your sanity after the recent terrorist attacks? There was so much he wanted to say, but Josh kept silent. He decided he would report back to Mark later so he could issue a separate warning. Right now, all he wanted was to leave this situation as quickly as possible. But Chase didn't let him go.
Suddenly, Chase grabbed him by the shoulder. Josh had barely taken a step before he was stopped. As he gasped and turned slowly, Chase moved closer. The soft sand shifted beneath his feet. Josh simply watched as Chase approached.
For some reason, it felt like he hadn't seen him in a long time. Even if it had only been three days, maybe four at most.
As conflicting emotions tangled within him, Chase finally stood face-to-face with him. Josh waited silently for him to speak. But he didn't. Instead, Josh felt his face flush involuntarily. Chase, studying him, suddenly narrowed his eyes.
…What?
Josh blinked in surprise at the unexpected look. Before he could figure out what it meant, the hand on his shoulder moved down and gripped his arm. When Chase's long fingers traced over it, Josh winced at the sensation on his bandaged skin.
"Ah."
Chase's gaze unconsciously lowered as Josh let out a small gasp. His eyes settled on Josh's arm, his expression darkening. It was hard to read. Josh wanted to know what the hell he was thinking, but of course, that was impossible.
Will the day ever come when I understand this man's thoughts?
Josh quickly pushed away the sudden thought. More than that, he wondered why Chase was holding his arm and when he would finally let go. Though the grip wasn't tight, a dull numbness spread through his limb.
Josh waited, noticing Chase part his lips as if to say something. But he soon fell silent again, still staring at Josh's arm. Finally, when Josh's patience ran out, Chase spoke.
"…Did it hurt?"
"Of course."
Josh answered without hesitation. There was an unspoken plea for him to release his arm, but instead, Chase tightened his grip. Josh instinctively tried to pull away. At that moment, Chase lifted his gaze, locking eyes with him. Josh froze again.
The sound of gentle waves filled his ears. Chase raised his hand as he watched Josh's erratic breathing. Cold, water-soaked fingers touched his cheek. Josh flinched, but Chase only paused for a brief moment before reaching out again.
At first, Josh thought he was tracing his cheek, but instead, Chase simply pushed back his hair, tucking it away naturally.
"…!"
Caught off guard, Josh lost his footing and stumbled forward. His wet body collided with Chase's. The thin fabric of his shirt became damp as it absorbed the moisture. Josh hesitated, then looked up. Chase reached down and gripped his waist, pulling him closer.
His body heated up instantly. His heartbeat pounded so loudly it felt as if the entire world could hear it. When their lips met, Josh couldn't comprehend what was happening for a moment. His eyes widened as he let Chase take the lead. Then, Chase's tongue slipped into his mouth. With just one kiss, his body temperature skyrocketed.
"Ah… ah…"
His breath grew ragged, his vision hazy. This wasn't the effect of Chase's pheromones. Their wet bodies pressed together, their tongues tangled. Josh hesitated, unsure of where to place his hands.
Their lips parted briefly. They locked eyes. Harsh breaths mingled, brushing against each other's lips. Chase, still watching him intently, whispered.
"How would I know if it hurt or not if you didn't tell me?"
"…"
"Tell me. Am I right?"
Reluctantly, Josh answered.
"Yes."
"Who was wrong?"
Chase's voice remained quiet, but his grip grew firmer. Josh, unable to control his expression, barely managed to respond.
"…Me?"
Chase raised an eyebrow, but Josh didn't correct himself. He studied Josh for a long moment before speaking again.
"Joshua."
Josh flinched, momentarily forgetting his pain. It was the first time Chase had ever called him by name. Not a nickname, but his full name—Joshua. Chase smirked as he watched Josh blink in surprise, clearly amused.
"Shall we sleep together?"
Josh didn't understand at first. He stared at Chase, blinking in confusion. Then, as realization dawned, he remembered the last time Chase had smiled like that. Before he could react, their lips met again, and Chase's scent filled his mouth. The deep, intoxicating pheromones carried an undeniable desire.