Saving the Heartthrob Frenemy-Chapter 203: Friend zone

Qie Xieling had no idea he was being plotted against. He was busy following King Luo’s lead in awe as they weaved through the hushed corridors of the palace.

His anticipation grew with each step, for he had no inkling of where they were going. The atmosphere whispered secrets of grandeur and mystery, keeping him intrigued.

Finally, they arrived at a towering set of double doors and in Qie Xieling’s head, it was the gateway to an unknown realm. His eyes lit up like a kid at Disney Land. It really didn’t take much to impress him.

With a regal flourish, King Luo pushed them open, revealing an ethereal sight that stole Qie Xieling’s breath away. Before them stretched a bathhouse of heavenly design, as though crafted by the hands of celestial beings themselves. Despite its deserted state, it exuded an unblemished beauty that could rival the heavens.

Moonlight gently spilt through the high windows, bathing the room in a soft, luminous glow. The still waters, crystal-clear and inviting, beckoned Qie Xieling’s gaze. King Luo, with an alluring smile playing on his lips, trailed his fingers across the water’s surface, and tendrils of steam rose in response, creating a gentle mist that hung in the air. It was a captivating sight, an invitation impossible to resist.

The atmosphere whispered tales of romance and enchantment, blending seamlessly with the splendour of their surroundings. Every corner seemed to hold a secret as if the hallowed walls remembered the laughter and whispers of cherished memories past.

Qie Xieling found himself drawn into the scene, the allure of the ethereal bathhouse captivating him as he gazed upon its exquisite details. The anticipation dancing in the air awakened his senses, immersing him in a world where time seemed to stand still and worries were left behind.

As King Luo extended his arm, a silent invitation passed between them. Qie Xieling felt an irresistible pull, his heart echoing the rhythm of the elegant setting. With each step, he became enveloped in the romantic and entrancing ambience, ready to embark on a journey of tranquillity and discovery within the comforting embrace of the magnificent bathhouse.

Seeing that he was in a trance, King Luo jokingly asked, "Would you like me to take your clothes off for you?"

Qie Xieling who was still stuck in a daze nodded his head. King Luo was just joking but now that he had been given permission he took a step forward feeling a little nervous.

For a moment he had no idea where to begin but he eventually tugged at his belt only for Qie Xieling to come out of it.

"Wait, what are you doing?" he asked his hand on his belt that was about to be undone.

King Luo let go his expression seeming aggrieved. He smiled slightly before walking around the pool. Qie Xieling stood there surrounded by a delicate mist that rose from the steaming pool watching King Luo from afar. The soft scent of jasmine and heated water filled the air, creating an atmosphere of sensuality and desire.

With a regal air about him, King Luo

walked with effortless grace around the steaming pool, shedding his clothes without a hint of self-consciousness. Qie Xieling knew he should look away but he couldn’t help but steal glances, his eyes tracing the contours of the King’s chiselled muscles as they glistened under the soft glow.

The dim light danced upon King Luo’s toned muscles, accentuating every contour and curve. Qie Xieling found himself entranced, his eyes tracing the lines of the king’s back, admiring the strength and power that seemed to radiate from within him.

Qie Xieling’s thoughts began to wander into forbidden territory, his longing evolving into an insatiable craving. He yearned to feel those muscles beneath his fingertips, to explore the depths of King Luo’s masculine energy. His heartbeat echoed in his ears as he fought to contain the desires that threatened to consume him.

But then, his gaze fell upon an unexpected sight. It was a deep, ugly scar etched along King Luo’s side, stretching down to his lower back. The sight of the scar filled Qie Xieling’s heart with an indescribable ache, as he realised the pain that King Luo must have endured when Eling stabbed him in the back.

Unable to resist the impulse, Qie Xieling found himself walking closer, his fingers outstretched, trying to bridge the distance between him and the scar. King Luo, caught off guard, paused in his actions, uncertain of how to respond. He turned to face him and their eyes locked for a brief moment. In that silent exchange, Qie Xieling could see the vulnerability in King Luo’s gaze.

Without a word, Qie Xieling gently touched the scar, his fingers tracing the lines of the healed wound as if he could somehow share the burden that King Luo carried.

King Luo swallowed his eyes a little red as he let him touch him. "Did it hurt?... Does it still hurt?" whispered Qie Xieling the pain in his eyes evident. Knowing that King Luo and Luo Muchen were the same person made his heartache.

King Luo averted his gaze and replied, "Not as much... Would you... would you ever betray me... again."

The real question he wanted to ask was if Qie Xieling would do to him what Eling did to him and betray him but he remembered what Jolie said before. Qie Xieling didn’t know that his identity had been exposed already.

He raised his hand and touched Luo Muchen’s face forcing him to look at him. While looking him in the eyes he said, "I would never do that to you. You have my word." King Luo’s heart felt like it was being engulfed in an inexplicable warmth.

In that tender moment, the air between them seemed to thicken, enveloping them in a unique trust.

As the mist swirled around them, Qie Xieling embraced him from behind his forehead pressed on King Luo’s back. He wanted to make it all better and take away all his pain as soon as possible but all he could offer now was this hug.

King Luo placed his hand on top of Qie Xieling’s his heart envious. He was envious of the him in the other world that met Qie Xieling first. He knew he was a proxy to the him from the other world and all Qie Xieling’s affection now was because of that person. This left him envious. Little did he know that the so-called him from the other world hadn’t even gone as far as he did with Qie Xieling. He was still in the friend zone.