CHAPTER 38: GOING OUTSIDE

Luther had a handsome face and long, golden hair, with features that made Joshua feel like he was looking at a fairy-tale princess.

But he could roll around outside until he was completely covered in dirt and then return to the dorm without a care, not even wearing shoes. He could casually compare his dick with a college friend without the slightest embarrassment, and he didn’t even bother washing his socks! Don’t ask how Joshua knew that!

The entire dorm—his bed was the messiest of them all!

Joshua’s fairy-princess illusions about Luther had clearly shattered yesterday when he touched his chest, but today, suddenly confronted with Luther’s words, all those details quickly flashed through Joshua’s mind, making him unable even to face Luther.

"Hey, are you mad? Next time I’ll take a shower before teasing you, okay?" Luther said as he chased after Joshua, completely oblivious.

Joshua didn’t even pay him any attention.

They quickly returned to the dorm, and Joshua grabbed some clothes and showered. Luther looked at the bathroom door, tightly shut in front of him, feeling inexplicably annoyed.

He turned to Justin: "Hugging each other’s shoulders is normal, right? Has Joshua never played any sports? It’s just a little sweat!"

Justin scratched his cheek: "I don’t think Joshua even noticed."

Indeed, Luther was paying attention—he was the one bothered that Joshua disliked him.

Luther felt perfectly justified. If it were the other way around, he wouldn’t dislike Joshua! They were close friends; he always said he would protect Joshua, yet Joshua was ungrateful!

Even standing under the shower, Luther still felt a bit annoyed.

"Joshua, listen to this demo," Henry said, rubbing his hair as he spoke.

Joshua immediately jumped off the bed, looking at Henry anxiously.

At that moment, the bathroom door suddenly cracked open a little. Luther’s arm reached out, waving continuously: "Joshua, grab me a towel."

Joshua went over to Luther’s bed, picked up a towel, and said with disdain, "Next time, if you forget, you’ll just wear your wet clothes..."

Before he could finish, Luther’s hand suddenly grabbed his, pulling him straight into the shower!

It was like a cunning monster luring an unsuspecting young man into its trap!

Henry looked at the headphones in his hand, then glanced toward the tightly shut bathroom door. His dark eyes were deep and unreadable, betraying no evident emotion.

Inside the bathroom, Joshua’s body was pressed against the door, Luther’s large hand supporting his head.

At that moment, Luther smiled with utter cunning, his entire face filled with satisfaction.

As soon as Joshua saw him, he shut his eyes tightly—terrifying!

Nine’s high voice rang out: [What’s wrong? Describe it a bit—bigger? Longer?]

"Shut up!" Luther growled at Nine. Usually, when Joshua got close to someone, Nine would make a big fuss, but with Luther, it seemed different—Nine wasn’t worried!

Luther laughed in delight, one hand pressing Joshua’s soft cheeks, making his lips purse slightly. "What’s the matter? Closing your eyes, scared? Now let’s see if you still dare to call me a princess..." He paused briefly, then quickly decided: "Or... should we compare a little right here?"

Tears welled up in Joshua’s eyes. He pulled Luther’s hand away from his cheeks, opened his eyes wide, shook his head repeatedly, lips pressed tight, cheeks slightly puffed.

Luther looked into Joshua’s watery eyes. He didn’t intend to do anything, but still wanted to scare him a little, a smug smile tugging at his lips.

This time, though, Joshua didn’t hit him. He parted his lips slightly, and tears streamed from his dazed, misty eyes.

In an instant, the whole space fell silent.

Luther began to panic, unsure where to place his hands or feet. "Hey, don’t cry! Why are you crying? I didn’t do anything to you!"

"Sniff... sob..."

Luther hastily put on his clothes as fast as possible, not knowing if he’d worn them correctly.

"Knock, knock, knock. What’s going on, Luther? Joshua?"

Outside, Justin, curious about why they were taking so long in the bathroom, came to check.

The bathroom door suddenly opened. Luther held Joshua tightly, and Joshua’s shoulders trembled slightly.

Justin widened his eyes, worried. "What’s wrong? Did Joshua fall?"

Luther: "..." suddenly felt a heavy guilt settle over him.

He ruffled Joshua’s soft hair and spoke gently: "I’m sorry... please don’t cry anymore, okay? I’m sorry. You can hit me if you want, I’ll take it. I won’t do that again next time, alright? Don’t cry anymore, okay..."

As he spoke, he lifted Joshua’s face, his hands gently wiping away the tears on his cheeks. Joshua pressed his lips together, staring at him, and finally gave a light punch to his chest before squirming away.

Luther let go obediently, calling after him: "No more crying, alright?"

"You’re the one crying!" Joshua shot him a glare.

Luther wanted to say that Joshua wasn’t scary at all, but right now, he didn’t dare.

Even Justin, not the sharpest thinker, understood what had happened.

He looked at Joshua worriedly: "What’s wrong? Did Luther bully you? Just say it—I can give him peace of mind."

In surprise, Joshua slightly parted his lips: "You don’t need to fight for anyone else."

Justin scratched his head.

Luther sneered from the side: "Even if you did fight, who knows who’d win?"

Clearly, he didn’t mind taking on Justin either. That loyal-dog look Justin had really got on his nerves.

Joshua wiped his tears, feeling a little speechless. Did they even remember they were supposed to be idols?

"Want to eat?"

At that moment, Henry suddenly stood up. He stared at Joshua’s slightly red eyes and asked.

Now feeling a bit hungry, Joshua nodded: "Let’s go."

Justin and Luther quickly followed.

Justin suggested: "At this hour, the cafeteria probably has nothing good left. Let’s go eat outside."

Joshua’s curiosity was piqued: "Outside? What’s there?"

Aside from the last time they went to the mall, Joshua hadn’t gone out to explore.

Justin’s eyes lit up as he began listing the famous eateries nearby in great detail. Joshua’s eyes sparkled; he could almost imagine the delicious food before him. He nodded eagerly: "Let’s go!"

Henry frowned: "Food outside isn’t very nutritious and sometimes very clean."

Luther’s line was stolen, but he nodded in complete agreement.

So Joshua waved goodbye and dashed off with Justin.

Luther: "..."

Henry: "..."

The two exchanged a look, each seeing annoyance in the other’s eyes, and finally went their separate ways.

Meanwhile, Joshua and Justin had already reached the gate.

Justin grabbed Joshua’s hand, pulling him toward the food street, familiar and bustling, until they sat down at a barbecue joint.

Joshua said directly, "You order."

Justin nodded. When the grilled meat skewers arrived in front of Joshua, his astonishment was almost impossible to hide.

He looked at Justin: "When we usually eat in the cafeteria... during training... do you ever get hungry?"