Fading Shadows

Chapter 4: Together

A month later, Hu Chen Mu took Ming Shen to his home. No one said anything about bringing Ming Shen home. 

Hu Chen Mu lay in a hospital bed, waiting for the kidney transplant that would save his father's life. The doctors had prepared him for the procedure, and the sterile smell of the room clung to the air around him.

Ming Shen sat beside him, his hand resting over Hu Chen Mu's.

"You don't have to do this," Ming Shen whispered, his voice full of concern. "You don't owe them anything."

Hu Chen Mu shook his head. "It's not about owing. It's about letting go."

Ming Shen squeezed his hand gently. "But what if something happens to you?"

Hu Chen Mu smiled, though it was weak. "I've been through worse. I'll be fine."

But even as he said it, a part of him knew that this operation would change him. His health had already begun to deteriorate in ways he hadn't shared with Ming Shen, but he kept that hidden. He didn't want to burden Ming Shen with more worries when they were already running out of time.

"I love you," Ming Shen whispered, his eyes full of fear.

"I love you too," Hu Chen Mu replied, his voice soft. "And I'll come back to you. I promise."

The surgery was long, but successful. Hu Shen Jao was given a second chance at life, and Hu Chen Mu was left weaker but alive. He returned home near the sea side with Ming Shen after 15 days rest in hospital, determined to make the most of whatever time they had left.

Seven months passed after the operation, and during that time, Hu Chen Mu and Ming Shen's love only grew stronger. Ming Shen's health was stable for now, and they decided to marry in a quiet ceremony by the sea, just the two of them and a few close friends and their parents.

Ming Shen just had his mother but she already has a family and enjoying her life they didn't wanted to disturb her.

On the day of their wedding, Ming Shen smiled brighter than Hu Chen Mu had ever seen. His frail body, weakened by illness, seemed to gain strength as he looked at the man standing before him.

"I never thought I'd get to do this," Ming Shen said, his voice choked with emotion as they exchanged vows. "I never thought I'd have this moment with you."

Hu Chen Mu's heart ached with joy and sorrow. He placed a soft kiss on Ming Shen's hand, holding back the tears that threatened to spill.

"You gave me more than I ever thought possible," Hu Chen Mu whispered. "You made me whole."

The marriage vows were read, the ceremony was done everything was perfect. It was a happy moment. Even though Hu Chen Mu doesn't seems like but still he always kept a camera beside him always clicking photos or videos of both of them.

They both were happy.

The bridal room was dimly lit, the soft, warm glow of the bedside lamp casting a gentle light over Ming Shen and Hu Chen Mu. The room felt quiet, a sanctuary from the world outside, holding within it a cocoon of shared sorrow and tenderness.

Ming Shen lay in bed, his condition evident in his pallid skin and the weariness in his eyes. Yet, despite his weakened state, there was a peaceful acceptance in his gaze as he looked at Hu Chen Mu.

Hu Chen Mu gently undressed Ming Shen, his movements tender and reverent. Each gesture was filled with love, a silent promise to cherish every moment they had left. Ming Shen's eyes softened with gratitude and affection as he watched Hu Chen Mu's careful, loving attention.

As Hu Chen Mu climbed into bed beside Ming Shen, he took a deep breath, his emotions wavering between sadness and a profound, almost painful love. He brushed his lips against Ming Shen's forehead, his touch light and full of unspoken emotion. Ming Shen responded with a soft, contented sigh, his fingers threading through Hu Chen Mu's hair.

Hu Chen Mu (voice barely above a whisper): "I wish I could give you more time, more moments like this. You've always been my light, Ming Shen."

Ming Shen (smiling gently): "And you've been my anchor. Even now, you're the calm in the storm. I'm grateful for every second we've shared."

Their bodies came together in a tender embrace, a slow and deliberate connection that spoke of their deep bond. Hu Chen Mu's touch was gentle, every caress and kiss imbued with a love that transcended the physical. Ming Shen responded with soft murmurs, his eyes closing in pleasure and affection.

They explored each other with a sense of urgency mingled with reverence, their movements slow and deliberate. There was a profound intimacy in their touch, a communication that went beyond words. The room was filled with soft sounds of their love—a quiet dance of intimacy that spoke of years spent together, of the depth of their shared experiences.

Hu Chen Mu (his voice trembling with emotion): "I wish I could hold you like this forever. Every touch, every kiss... I want to remember it all."

Ming Shen (whispering, his voice filled with warmth): "We have now, and that's enough. You've given me so much, Chen Mu. I'll carry this with me, always."

As they continued to hold each other, the world outside seemed to disappear. Their connection was a testament to their enduring love—a shared space of comfort and solace in the face of inevitable loss.

When their intimacy reached its quiet peak, they held each other closely, their bodies entwined as they savored the last moments of their shared closeness. The embrace was celebration of their time together their willingness to be together during good and sickness.

As they lay together, their breathing slowed, their bodies relaxed into one another. Hu Chen Mu stroked Ming Shen's hair softly, his eyes filled with tears that he did not try to hide.

Hu Chen Mu (his voice choked with emotion): "I love you, Ming Shen. Thank you for being my everything."

Ming Shen (with a serene smile, his hand gently squeezing Hu Chen Mu's): "And I love you. No matter where I go, I'll be with you. In every heartbeat, every memory."

Their words, though soft, were filled with an undeniable depth of feeling. As they lay wrapped in each other's arms, they found moment of peace, a embrace that spoke of their enduring love and the comfort they found in one another.

They both are happy.