There's No Love In the Deathzone (BL) novel Chapter 212

Chapter 212: Chapter 206. Weight of Tears

"It’s been a while," Zein said, leaning against the pillar as he watched the other member of Trinity dispersing.

Radia had told him to ’catch up’ with his old acquaintances, although Zein had no idea if it was just a consideration or if the man wanted him to make a talk about working together.

Rina had dragged Bassena off to avoid a bloodbath, although the esper didn’t look like he was about to jump someone--but, precaution. And while Zein was supposed to talk with them both, Alma actually went out of her way to follow Dheera and the others because she wanted to know what Zein had been up to this whole time.

So it left Zein standing there with Zach, in the corner of the hall among the pillars and railing that separated them from the main lounge--of course, Jock was there to guard him, but he always made his presence to be as little as possible, so he might as well a thin air.

"It sure is," the Scarlet Moon’s leader answered briefly.

Their conversation sounded flat and awkward, especially comparing it with the way Alma greeted Zein earlier. It had nothing to do with the fact that they used to have a fling, but because they were both naturally reserved people. It also had nothing to do with the fact that they hadn’t seen each other in five years, or that Zein had left the red-zone without even saying goodbye to the esper. After all, going away and disappearing without a warning was something common in the red-zone.

"I heard you guys are the landlord, now."

Zach chuckled at that--he could see that the guide had changed. In the past, the man would never be the one to start a conversation unless he wanted something first.

So it wasn’t his appearance that had turned better.

"Don’t worry about that orphanage you’re making, we’ll be sure to guard its process well,"

"Just the process?" Zein raised his brow.

"Perhaps if you show your face there every now and then, we’ll extend the service," Zach shrugged.

He still recalled the first letter that came from Zein, the way it made his heart clenched; from longing? From heartbreak? Araka might not be up to date with the rest of the world, but as the ’landlord’, he had the privilege of information.

Even if that information included the rumor about the man he was--still--in love with involved in a relationship with another man.

"Hmm...perhaps I will," Zein answered easily, and Zach perked up slightly. Zein never said things he didn’t mean, so if he said he’d try to visit, then he’d really try to visit. "It’ll be fast if I go with Bas."

And just like that, Zach felt his heart, once again, crushed. It was as if Zein deliberately told him that he shouldn’t have any feelings for the guide anymore, because he now belonged to someone already.

Zach didn’t need to ask for confirmation about their relationship. He knew Zein well, he prided himself to be able to read the man just through his eyes. And that was why, he knew what Zein’s feeling was.

It was easy for him to see that the way Zein looked at Bassena Vaski was different. It was the gaze that he had always waited for but could never get. He told Zein he’d stop his feeling for the guide because he gave up on acquiring that gaze.

And thus, it didn’t matter what their exact relationship was--Zach knew what Zein’s feeling was, and it was enough to break his heart that had refused to move on despite saying he’d stop.

But what could he do, if Zein looked so contented while looking at that man?

Just...there was still one thing he needed to make sure of. "Does he treat you well?"

Zein didn’t answer for a while. He just leaned into the pillar while his eyes chased the wide back that was facing a journalist. Soft and full of adoration--Zach was almost flooded with jealousy at that moment.

"I cried," Zein said after a while, and Zach couldn’t help but widen his eyes.

The esper parted his lips, but there was nothing managed to come out of his throat. He could only look at Zein, and the smile he knew was hidden behind that mask. His hand gripped the railing hard as his heart was filled with a vortex of messy emotions.

"I cried in his arms," the guide added, eyes the reflection of brilliance.

Zach had only seen that brilliance once--when the twins brought their study report and became the top of their class. But at any other time, even while they were together and drowned in momentary pleasure, those eyes never sparked that brightly, glittering like precious jewels.

It was everything Zach had always wanted. To make Zein feel safe enough that he would cry and shed his burden away, even if it was just for a moment.

His heart felt like they were crushed by a massive rock called regret. But as the rock crumbled, he felt a surge of...relief.

He knew it took more than strength to make Zein feel safe. No--actually, an esper that only had his strength would make Zein walk away instantly. He had no idea what Bassena Vaski had done, but...he knew for sure that he could at least trust the man to take care of Zein when the guide felt vulnerable.

With a throbbing heart that stung like a mean old scar, Zach took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I’m glad," he said while releasing the railing from his grip.

"Hah!" Zein chuckled, finally looking at the man who had been part of his growing-up phase, the man who taught him the pleasure of the flesh. _{ƒrēewebnovel.com}