This is part 1 of Chapter 7. Part 2 and 3 are almost available on Patreon.
I merge the parts into a single chapter once they reach about 3.000 words.
Previously, in Part 6.3: Muchen gave a firm nod of approval, his gaze returning to the distant horizon. "Good. Prepare the troops. We must be ready for their return." His voice echoed through the grand hall.
A week had passed since Meilin became a part of Solaris, and now morning arrived, with the sun filtering through the curtains of the quiet dorm as the rest of the team slept. "Ugh... I couldn't sleep last night," she groaned, stepping out of her room and walking down the hallway. "Anyone awake? Guys?"
Waiting for a response, she heard only faint sounds from the hallway. As she listened closely, straining to make them out, the sounds echoing from the other room resembled soft, rhythmic moans.
"What the..." Discomfort flushed her cheeks as her mind raced with possibilities. "Hell no! I can't live here!"
The sound drew her closer, each step quickening her heart's pace. With a deep breath, she pushed the door open and peeked inside. As she tiptoed closer, the faint moaning grew louder. Once she stopped mid-stroll, her eyes widened at the sight before her. Fitness equipment was scattered everywhere, but her eyes stayed glued to a man's bare back, his neck entirely covered by his now messy hair. Leaning against the wall, she shamelessly took in the view of guilty pleasures.
Wearing earphones and lost in his music, Ningshun remained oblivious to her presence, focusing entirely on his pull-ups. Beads of sweat glistened on his skin, accentuating the sculpted lines of his muscles as he lifted his body with controlled strength. With his arms stretched out, breathing deep and husky, he pushed through each rep, a primal grunt escaping his lips. 'I must... change... the past.' Haunted by visions, he wrestled with vivid scenes of a man holding a sword against his throat, his breathing growing shallow.
From below, a snicker escaped Meilin's lips. 'He's totally making those sounds on purpose, isn't he? This is so embarrassing.'
Despite herself, she could not tear her eyes away and crept closer, closing the distance between them with silent footsteps. Now, she stood just beneath him, unnoticed as he remained lost in his thoughts, music pumping through his earphones.
'I can't believe I'm just standing here watching him work out... and he has no idea.' She bit her lip to suppress a burst of laughter.
Leaning in closer, her eyes traced the contours of his bare chest, where sweat glistened and trickled down his chiseled abs with every movement. A playful grin spread across her lips as her gaze lingered on his strong arms, the sight of his raw power and focus sending a thrill through her.
'Oh wow, he looks so... No, focus, Meilin!' Flushed cheeks adorned her face. 'But maybe I shouldn't... distract him. Yeah, that's it. I can wait and... look...' Her jaw dropped as she focused on his grunts and soft moans with each lift, her mind filling with thoughts she dared not voice aloud. 'Wait... what am I doing? How can I face God in prayer tonight after acting like a total—'
"Pervert."
'Yeah... WAIT! What?' she panicked, slowly lifting her gaze.
"I knew it." Ningshun paused mid-motion and eyed her from above with one earphone out, an amused expression on his face. "Enjoying the show, Meilin?"
Beet red flushed her face. "I-I wasn't—I mean, I just—"
Raising an eyebrow, he released the pull-up bar and landed on the floor with a confident smirk. "You just happened to be standing there, gawking at me? Sure, sounds totally innocent."
"So what if I was?" Arms crossed, her statement caught him by surprise. "Maybe if you didn't make such... weird noises, I wouldn't have to check if you were, you know, dying or something."
He chuckled, wiping sweat off his forehead. "Right, because checking on someone's well-being involves ogling them." As he stepped closer, his smirk widened, locking eyes with hers with a playful glint. "Admit it, you couldn't resist."
She rolled her eyes. "Whatever helps you sleep at night, Ningshun."
Leaning in, his voice lowered to a husky murmur. "Oh, I sleep just fine. But now I know you're the one losing sleep over me."
Meilin swallowed hard, heart racing as his intense gaze held her captive. "Don't flatter yourself," she shot back, but her flushed cheeks betrayed her.
He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms with a widening grin. "So, how long were you planning to stand there? Can't blame you for appreciating my good looks." His deep, confident chuckle sent shivers down her spine.
She shrugged, pretending nonchalance. "Until you no longer feel the need to be admired, obviously."
"Mission accomplished." Draping a towel around his neck, Ningshun walked towards the door. Before leaving the fitness room, he turned back with a cocky smirk. "Next time, though, you're welcome to do more than just watch." With that, he turned and walked away, leaving her confused and breathless.
Meilin stood there, cheeks flushing as she muttered under her breath, "That... ego of his." Lost in thought, her gaze fixed on the closed door, she mused with a coy smile, "Next time... maybe I will."
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