Chapter 137 - Hundred And Thirty Seven - Jin Li’s first gift to me (1/2)

”There w-was an accid-dent at school,” Leon told him, gazing through his thick glasses at this man, his heart swelling once more. It had been a long week and it almost seemed as if the affection showered upon him by this difficult man was but a dream that he was forced to wake up from. But his mouth tingled in memory and his heart beat loudly in his chest and he licked his lips nervously, while Jin Li smirked and sauntered over to shadow him. He glanced up in anticipation only to see the taller boy's nose wrinkle in disgust.

”You ought to bathe,” Jin Li said, though it sounded more like an instruction than a suggestion.

Leon nodded, automatically, knowing what Jin Li declared was true and picked up a bucket to fill with water from the barrel, before taking it into the makeshift bathing room. He couldn't help but glance over his shoulder at the other as he swept aside the cloth door with his hand, blushing as certain thoughts raced through his mind. Jin Li's brows rose high in question. Leon's colour deepened as he rushed inside the small room, but naturally one bucket isn't going to fill a tub, even delaying his exit by lighting the fire beneath the metal tub wasn't going to prevent him coming face to face with Jin Li again.

Jin Li leaned against the hut wall, watching the small alchemist dart back and forth, becoming increasingly jittery and colourful before him, delighting his cruel mind. And when he deemed it time, the youth followed Leon into the shed. The other hadn't yet noticed and was testing the temperature of the water before deciding to put out the flames. Leon then turned around sharply, before bumping into Jin Li's chest, nose first.

”Seems even with the ghastly lenses, you still can't see?” Jin Li asked, the amusement evident in his voice.

”You sn-snuck up b-b-behind m-me!” Leon complained.  He thought that Jin Li was waiting outside for a cup of tea and probably snacks and had planned on making him a drink while he (Leon) bathed (and dealt with a growing problem), did not expect the youth to decide to enter the shed after him.

”Undress,” Jin Li demanded, suddenly.

”W-w-What?” Leon squeaked, nervously.

”How are you supposed to bathe with your robes on?” Jin Li sneered, his arms crossed about his chest.

”B-b-but...”

”Or do I need to do it for you?”