Three simple words, but they almost burn right through him. Xue Yang closes his eyes tight, fingers curling a little at Xingchen's waist. What would his life have been like, if he'd known to go up the mountain and somehow found Xiao Xingchen?

Better. Much better than the living hell he'd managed on his own.

He breathes out, carefully. "Yours for life," he murmurs.

Then opens his eyes to see the faint smile, to feel the nod. Permission granted, and it lifts his still-too-fragile heart up. He pulls a hand away from Xingchen's waist to rest light fingers on the man's cheek before he leans in.

This kiss isn't the playful, testing little kisses they'd exchanged before. This kiss is firmer, warmer, with an attempt to reign in just how fierce his emotions are for Xingchen.