When the Wild Beast is Trapped in the Nightmare Cycle (BL)
Chapter 269: One Audience To Impress

Chapter 269: One Audience To Impress

Gu Luoxin’s doom started when Yin Jinjing sauntered to their table. Her face was beet red, and her gait betrayed a hint of unsteadiness. It was unknown how many cans she had downed throughout the dinner. She scanned their group and remarked incredulously, "Huh? None of you are drinking?" Before Gu Luoxin could reject her offer and explained how he had never drunk alcohol before and would not start here because he had no idea about his limit, Yin Jinjing abruptly spun around and bellowed, "Oy, there are no beers here!!"

In a heartbeat, a cluster of seniors rushed over with cans of beer in their hands. The inebriation must have eroded their reservations, because this time they no longer shied away and forcibly shoved one can into Noir’s hand. "Come on!" They urged, emboldened. "How can you not drink at a party? You’re the star for the night, so you should give it a go!"

Amidst the escalating ambience, the crowd began to chant, "Drink! Drink! Drink!"

Noir’s brows knitted slightly, his lips compressed into thin lines to reveal a hint of discomfort. Nonetheless, he did not utter a word of refusal, most likely because he did not want to spoil the exuberant mood, so he slowly brought the can to his lips.

Gu Luoxin noticed that he looked extremely reluctant when he did so. His heart gave a loud thump and an unprecedented protectiveness arose within him, so intense that it overshadowed his logic. Before his brain could even process where these unfamiliar emotions came from, he snatched the can from Noir’s hand, declaring out loud, "I–I will drink it for him!"

Under the deafening cheers and hoots, Gu Luoxin threw his head back and chugged the beer down to the last drop. The bitter and fiery sensation coursed down his throat, and the corners of his eyes prickled with tears. He could feel his inner temperature rising at an abnormal speed, yet at that singular moment, all he could think of was: There must be a reason why Great God doesn’t want to drink. If he’s a lightweight, then I will gladly be his black knight[1]!

"Ha!" He slammed the empty can of beer on the table and wiped his lips. His gaze locked onto Noir’s stunned ones, who had one of his hands outstretched as if to stop him. Alas, he clearly reacted too late because Gu Luoxin had acted too fast and finished one whole can.

Enveloped within the raucous atmosphere, Gu Luoxin felt strangely giddy. "G–Great God, don’t worry... I, Gu Luoxin, will drink everything for you!" he slurred his words and hiccuped, his cheeks tinged a deep rosy hue.

He had only half a mind to wonder why Noir’s head suddenly doubled before his eyes, when the world abruptly spun on its axis. The last thing he saw was the alarm flitting across Noir’s beautiful emerald eyes, the ground hurtling toward his face, and then, everything turned dark.

When his consciousness seeped back after an unknown period of time, he found that his feet were dangling in midair, and his entire person was being carried on someone’s back – someone whose shoulders were broad, who smelled extremely good and refreshing, who had a head full of messy brown curls...

Gu Luoxin was dazed, still unable to come to his senses. He couldn’t remember how he ended up in such a situation, and his head was pounding in pain whenever he tried to recall. He subconsciously let out a hiss, his fingers moving to knead his swollen temples. At the same time, the person carrying him halted on his tracks and asked,

"Awake?"

Hearing that low and magnetic voice at such a close distance sent an inexplicable shudder cascading down Gu Luoxin’s spine. His face blazed with a heat akin to being singed by a searing pain, his head clouded and fuzzy. Even then, he could recognize that voice anywhere, even in the middle of the noisiest crowd. "G–Great God?" he stammered out in confusion. Was he dreaming right now? Why would Noir be carrying him on the back? Yes, that must be it! Though he had to admit, this sure was one hell of a realistic dream...

"Do you remember your name?"

Albeit confused, Gu Luoxin still responded with all honesty, "Of course, I am Gu Luoxin ah."

"Your address?"

Utterly lacking awareness of danger, Gu Luoxin revealed the location of his dormitory building complete with the room number, and only then did he realize that his surroundings seemed familiar. Wait, wasn’t this the way to his dormitory? "Great God, are you sending me home?" Gu Luoxin inquired, the corner of his lips raising and raising until it fully blossomed into a wide silly grin. See, this ought to be a dream, or else how could such a good thing happen to him?

"If you can walk without tripping every two steps," the man replied. "I will let you go."

"No, no!" Gu Luoxin refused at once. To miss the opportunity to be escorted home by Great God Noir? Not a chance! To emphasize his stance, he even wrapped his arms tighter around Noir’s neck, "I’m still dizzy. I will surely fall if you put me down!" He could sense Noir’s step faltering, causing his heart to skip a beat. Had he offended the man with his willful wishes? But wait, this was his dream, no? It was up to him to do whatever he wanted! Thus he bundled the useless fear in his heart and shoved it into his stomach cavity. He was back to his happy and giddy mood again as he nestled his head against Noir’s shoulder and quipped, "I’d have to trouble you then, Great God!"

Noir released a long sigh before he started walking again, and Gu Luoxin let out a little triumphant cheers in his heart. Dreams were truly the best! This was why it was called a dream because there was no way it could be happening in reality!

Gu Luoxin’s happiness bubbled forth like effervescent soda, and he gave in to the impulse to hum a tune. He did not actually know what song he had chosen; he was simply too overwhelmed by happiness to contain it. His heart felt like it might burst if he did not release some of that joy, so he could only sing. Then recalling the silent man before him, he asked cutely, "I can sing very well. Would you like to hear?"

Noir’s response was laced with a tinge of helplessness, so faint that the inebriated Gu Luoxin failed to notice it. "Sing, then."

And thus Gu Luoxin started to sing.

He poured all of his heart and soul out into his voice, acting as if he was performing on a grand stage. But this time, he had solely one audience he wanted to impress – Noir.

He paid no heed to his surroundings and sang until his voice grew hoarse, until his throat ran dry, until he dissolved into a fit of giggles. If he were even remotely sober, he would have felt mortified by his own behavior enough to jump down the building. Alas, in his current state, he was floating in his own fluffy world where nothing existed but Noir and himself.

He thought he caught a glimpse of the concerned expression of the dorm keeper auntie, but it might have been nothing more than a figment of his imagination. The next thing he knew, they were standing at their front door.

Gu Luoxin was a little – a lot, actually – disappointed. "Aww, is my dream coming to an end?"

Noir paused for a second, his voice a shade puzzled, "...Dream?"

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[1] In the context of drinking culture in Korean dramas, black night is used to describe someone who drinks on behalf of another person to help them avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

Ok I know the setting of the story is not in Korea, but I can’t help using it cos Xinxin being Noir’s black knight?? I simp!!