Help! I'm the Plot Device: Just Here to Save the Heroes

Mission Failed: We Fell in Love Instead

His ears, felt like they were still burning red in sleep. Red marks peeked along the line of his neck and shoulder, little echoes of the night before.

Jerry blinked up at the ceiling once before his gaze dropped to the man on his chest.

"So tired?" he whispered, fingers brushing along Yan's cheekbone.
Gentle. Careful. Almost unbearably soft.

Yan didn't answer.
He only nuzzled deeper into Jerry's chest with subconscious instinct, as if chasing the warmth or the heartbeat-or both.

Jerry's lips curved..
Somewhere in Jerry's mind, the system made a sound-half laugh, half gasp of disbelief.
Seriously? After everything you did last night you're asking him that?

Jerry ignored it, sliding his fingers through Yan's hair like the night hadn't happened, like the softness was all he had ever known.

The system huffed-flustered, scandalized.
Don't pretend innocence now-I may not have seen, but based on the battlefield your room became... I can imagine plenty.

Its voice ran off, choked by its own embarrassment.

Jerry stifled a laugh, shoulders shaking just enough to disturb Yan-who responded by hugging tighter around his waist, clinging like a sleepy cat refusing to let go of his warm pillow.

The system's voice flickered again-half incredulous, half amused.

Unbelievable. Where did my shy, easily-startled host go? Look at you-smiling like... that.

Jerry whispered, "Stop it," cheeks warming.

Oh-so now you're shy? After biting him like-

"Enough," Jerry cut in softly, though his smile didn't disappear.

His hand slid down to Yan's cheek again, giving it a gentle pinch.

Nothing.

Yan didn't stir beyond a tiny frown and the way he clung a little tighter-like Jerry was a pillow threatening to get away.

"But seriously... why isn't he waking up?" Jerry whispered. "Cats... have sharp senses, right?"

The system's sigh was long, dramatic, judging.
Sir, please reflect on your actions before asking that. He looks like he could sleep an entire day just to recover from you.

Jerry looked down at him again-and his smile softened into something he didn't even try to hide.

"Mm... I think so," he murmured.

He traced the curve of Yan's back gently, fingers moving slow along warm skin, then pressed a light kiss to the top of Yan's head.

Yan flinched-just a twitch-then stretched lazily, a soft feline motion, before settling right back onto Jerry with a breathy murmur.

"...Yichen..."

The name was drowsy, unconscious, spoken into Jerry's chest.

Jerry's hand paused only for a second.

His voice, when it came, was barely a whisper against Yan's hair.
"...Not Yichen. Jerry."

Yan didn't hear it.
He only nuzzled closer, breath soft against Jerry's skin, completely trusting, completely his in that moment.

The system didn't speak-not immediately.
It felt... quiet. Almost hesitant.

Then, gently:

Host-

"I know." Jerry whispered, cutting it off.

His fingers threaded back into Yan's hair, stroking slowly.