Gou Feng remained bent forward for several long moments, drawing one slow breath after another as he struggled to steady himself.
Each inhale burned.
Each exhale came easier than the last.
Gradually, the crushing tightness in his chest eased.
His trembling lessened and finally, he managed a weak smile.
"...I'm alright."
His voice was still hoarse, and still sounded breathless.
"It's alright, Ge. You... didn't mean to."
Those simple words only deepened the guilt weighing on Hei Bao's heart.
A thin layer of sweat covered Gou Feng's forehead.
His breathing had yet to return completely to normal, but at least the normal color of his face slowly returned as well as his body temperature.
Without another thought, Hei Bao drew him gently into his embrace.
One hand rested protectively against the back of Gou Feng's head while the other slowly stroked his back in silent reassurance.
Neither of them spoke.
The silence between them no longer carried anger.
