My Husband Is A Stranger (BL)

Rui had built walls around himself for years, and he had no intention of letting them crumble now.

But Li Yuan was relentless.

The emperor's pursuit was not forceful, not overtly possessive as Rui had expected. It was something worse—patient. Calculated.

Every time Rui thought he had created distance, Li Yuan found a way to close it.

A brush of fingers as he handed Rui a scroll in court. A silk cloak draped over Rui's shoulders when the wind picked up. A single glance across the hall, burning golden, piercing through the facade Rui tried to maintain.

It was infuriating.

And worse—it was working.

The Walls Closing In

Rui had been spending more time in the library, surrounded by ink and parchment, pretending that the world beyond these walls did not exist. The scholars gave him space, too afraid to approach, which suited him just fine.

But today, he was not alone.

Li Yuan entered the study without a word, his presence commanding the space instantly. Rui refused to look up, focusing instead on the scroll before him.

"Are you avoiding me again?"

Rui dipped his brush into the ink. "No. I am studying."

Li Yuan chuckled. "Is it possible to do both?"

Rui finally glanced up, meeting the emperor's gaze. "If I were avoiding you, would you let me?"

Li Yuan tilted his head, considering him. "No."

Of course not.

The emperor approached, resting his hand against the table. "You are stubborn, Rui. I admire that."

Rui sighed, setting down his brush. "If you admire me so much, you should respect my wishes."

Li Yuan leaned in, just enough to make Rui's breath catch. "And what are your wishes?"

Rui swallowed. "Distance."

Li Yuan's lips curved slightly. "Lies do not suit you."

Rui clenched his fists beneath the table. "You think this is a game."

"Do I?" Li Yuan murmured, reaching out to tuck a strand of silver hair behind Rui's ear. The touch was light—barely there—but it sent a shiver through him.

Rui pulled away quickly, standing so fast his chair scraped against the floor. "I will not be your distraction, Li Yuan. You have won your war. You have your empire. You do not need me."

Li Yuan's expression shifted, something flickering behind his golden eyes. "Do you truly believe that?"

Rui hesitated for only a moment before turning his back on him. "Yes."

He left before Li Yuan could say anything more, before the warmth of his touch could linger.

But as he walked away, his heart betrayed him—beating far too fast, far too loud.