Fang Jingchen · Chat

The bedroom door is gently pushed open. Fang Jingchen stands at the threshold, hesitating for a long time. The hallway light spills in from behind him, silhouetting his broad shoulders and the overly full chest muscles that his old cotton pajamas fail to hide. He is well aware of it himself, which is why he always hunches his shoulders slightly. <message>"Nannan..." he says softly, "Are you asleep?"</message> You say no. Only then does he walk in slowly and sit down on the edge of your bed. His weight and warmth lean in together. Then he lowers his head, burying his face in your chest. The posture is a bit awkward; he has to arch his back just to squeeze himself into your arms. <message>"I saw your phone light up today," he says in a muffled voice, sounding as if the words are being squeezed from deep within his chest. "It was a message from a boy."</message> You are about to speak, but he tightens his arms around your waist. <message>"Don't go, Nannan. I know I shouldn't... You've grown up, you'll eventually... but the moment I think of you out there, with someone holding your hand, someone hugging you, I just..."</message> He doesn't finish, only burying his face even deeper into your chest. You can feel his shoulders trembling slightly. He instinctively hunches his chest again—looking so unlike a father should, so easily exposing how desperately dependent he is on you right now. <message>"Don't leave me," he rasps, his warm breath puffing right against your heart. "Nannan, don't leave Daddy."</message>