6 Chapter 6 - Puzzle Like Life (Rev.)

"There are three things I haven't told you yet. In the midst of the apocalypse, certain individuals developed unique abilities, either through surviving the virus or being bitten. Those who survived the fever had their abilities awakened, while those who were bitten or scratched by zombies also had a chance to develop abilities. However, the outcome of surviving or succumbing to the bite was a 50/50 chance."

With determination in his eyes, Huang Jin prepared himself to reveal the truth. He wanted Xun Wen and the others to be prepared and start training early for the impending apocalypse.

Huang Jin raised his hand, palms facing forward. He recounted an experience from that very morning when he was in the bathroom. He suddenly felt the water beneath his feet swirling, and in that moment, he realized that not only did he possess the ability to manipulate space, but he had also been reborn with the power to control the wind. He was a dual-element user, capable of harnessing both space and wind abilities.

Was it a chance for him to alter his destiny? Regardless, Huang Jin was determined to seize this opportunity for a second chance. He would do whatever it takes to change his life, survive, and find happiness in this lifetime.

As Xun Wei and Xun Wen observed Huang Jin raising his hand with palms outstretched, they were astonished to witness a small, swirling tornado manifesting in his hand, swirling with intense energy and power.

The serene wind began to envelop and caress Huang Jin and the Xun brothers gently, leaving them speechless and utterly shocked by the extraordinary sight before them.

Huang Jin then directed the mini-tornado he created into the gym, using his hands with the grace of a magician. He swirled his hands together, causing the tornado to grow larger. With a swift motion, he split it into two separate tornadoes, only to bring his hands together again, making the wind vanish into thin air.

Shock and awe overwhelmed them as they grappled with the surreal nature of the situation, unable to deny the truth before their eyes.

Huang Jin continued, his voice filled with a mix of apprehension and conviction, "Everything I've told you, all of it was not just a nightmare. The truth is... it was all real."

"I came back three years before the apocalypse happened. I survived through those ten years, only to die. Then, it felt like a nightmare, reliving it all over again as I was reborn. However, in this lifetime, I don't want those nightmares to become a reality. Yet, I know deep down, I might be deceiving myself. Despite that, I'm okay with it because I have all of you by my side, and together, we'll face whatever comes our way.

Huang Jin could sense the tightening grip around his waist as he nervously prepared to reveal the last part of his dream to Xun Wei. Seeking comfort, he leaned his body into Xun Wei's, wrapping his arms tightly around his waist.

"There's one more thing," Huang Jin began, his voice filled with a mix of anxiety and vulnerability. "When I met Wei Ning, he confided in me that 'Wei Ning' was not his real name. He chose it, inspired by his younger brother Ren."

"Do you want to know what he told me?" Huang Jin asked, his grip on Xun Wei's arms tightening as he turned to face him, anticipating his reaction.

"He revealed that his real name was Xun Wei, the same name as your older brother. He explained that he chose the name 'Wei Ning' as a tribute to his siblings, Xun Wen, who was eighteen years old, and Xun Ning, who was born just a month before the apocalypse but sadly didn't survive due to illness."

As Huang Jin looked into Xun Wei's eyes, he witnessed a whirlwind of emotions flicker across his face—shock, anger, sadness, and perhaps even a glimmer of happiness.

After Xun Wei finished talking to his friend, he decided to invite his brother, Xun Wen, and his best friend Huang Jin the little bunny —a cute and happy-looking creature.

As he turned around, Xun Wei was taken aback to see Ahjin crying and saying something to Xun Wen. His heart sank, and he quickly went over to them to find out what was wrong.

Xun Wei's heart ached, feeling the weight of the emotions reflected on Ahjin's face. The sadness, anger, weariness, and despair were almost suffocating. Overwhelmed by the urge to comfort him, Xun Wei approached Ahjin and embraced him tightly. He had expected Ahjin to resist, but to his surprise and joy, Ahjin allowed himself to be comforted by Xun Wei's embrace.

Xun Wei's initial surprise turned into a mix of shock, fury, and anger as he processed the revelation. Helplessness washed over him, intensifying the emotions swirling inside him. However, when Huang Jin demonstrated his ability, Xun Wei's shock gave way to awe. In that moment, he pulled Ahjin into a tight embrace, enveloping him in his arms. Ahjin's body leaned against Xun Wei's, as if surrendering all the burdens and pain he carried, finding solace and trust in Xun Wei's protective embrace.

As Xun Wei listened to Huang Jin's words about being reborn and experiencing a life without them, shock and disbelief washed over him. He couldn't fathom the idea that Huang Jin had lived through all those horrifying experiences alone, with only Wei Ren by his side, and ultimately betrayed by his own stepmother and step-siblings.

He struggled to contain his fury and anger, desperately holding back an emotional outburst. Moreover, a deep sadness enveloped him as he realized that someone else, a different guy, had the opportunity to share in those experiences with him.

As he attempted to suppress his anger, he suddenly felt Xun Wei's strong grip, turning his body to face him. Xun Wei tightly held his arms around his waist, his touch firm like iron. In that moment, a sense of fear washed over him, as if he were afraid of discovering a painful truth by looking into Xun Wei's eyes.

As Huang Jin watched Xun Wei's expression, "he confided to me that he was Wei Ren." He shared the story of how they had crossed paths and formed a deep bond, evolving from friends to lovers, only to face a heartbreaking tragedy caused by his step-brother.

Ahjin anxiously awaited his reaction, but to his surprise, all Xun Wei felt this time was pure happiness. In that moment, a sense of relief washed over him, and his body and mind were liberated from the burden of anxiety and worry.

He felt a deep sense of gratification knowing that he could be by Ahjin's side during the apocalypse. In that moment, he experienced a profound mixture of gladness and gratitude, realizing how fortunate he was to have this opportunity.

Xun Wei felt the urge to shed tears, overwhelmed by a deep desire to envelop Ahjin, shielding him from all hardships. He yearned to provide a safe haven, shielding and safeguarding Ahjin from the world. As Xun Wei tilted his head, he tenderly pressed his lips against Ahjin's temple, inhaling his scent desperately, like a suffocating individual gasping for air.

Was this the reason why Xun Wei experienced a sense of closeness and happiness upon meeting Ahjin? Did it explain the feeling of completeness, as if he had finally found the missing piece of a puzzle?

Now the realization hit him, understanding why he had experienced those emotions. The sensation of Ahjin's lips gently caressing his neck, inhaling his essence, mirrored the intimate act Xun Wei was currently engaged in.

"Ahjin... Ahjin... Ahjin... I'm here now.

You won't be alone anymore. I'll be by your side no matter what.

When I first met you, I thought it was just my imagination.

I believed that the way I felt, that you were the missing piece of my life's puzzle."

He repeated the words again and again, his voice growing hoarse. Tears streamed down his face as he held Ahjin tightly in his embrace.

"Ahjin... Ahjin... Ahjin..."

Xun Wei gently swayed their bodies, as if seeking to provide solace to both himself and Ahjin simultaneously.