In The Eyes Of Madness

In Thien Duc's small house, on the quiet morning of Christmas Day, Huyet Minh sat across from him, his expression serious. Leaning forward, he carefully fastened each button of Thien Duc's coat, straightened the collar, and wrapped a scarf snugly around his neck. Every movement was slow and deliberate—so much so that it started to test Thien Duc's patience.

"Don't move," Huyet Minh said, his voice steady, edged with quiet authority. "I need to make sure you're dressed warmly enough."

Thien Duc furrowed his brows, glancing down at Huyet Minh's hands tugging firmly at the scarf.

"I told you I'm not cold. You're overdoing it."

Huyet Minh paused, lifting his gaze. His eyes, deep and sharp, still carried a warmth beneath the surface.

"Not cold?" His tone dropped lower. "You said that last time… and ended up stuck in bed the entire day."

With a quiet sigh, he resumed fixing the layers of clothing.

"That's not happening again."

Thien Duc pouted, turning his head away to avoid his gaze.

"You sound like some grumpy old dad."

A quiet laugh escaped Huyet Minh as he tugged the scarf higher, covering half of Thien Duc's face.

"Fine. If I have to be your 'grumpy old dad,' so be it. Hold still."

Standing before the mirror, Thien Duc caught his own reflection, wrapped head to toe like he was bracing for a snowstorm. But the heat rising to his face wasn't from the thick layers—it was from the matching coat Huyet Minh had bought for them, now sitting snugly on his shoulders.

Casting a sidelong glance at Huyet Minh, his voice faltered slightly.

"You're seriously making me wear this outside?"

Huyet Minh tilted his head, a mischievous smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Why not? Doesn't it look good? I think it suits you perfectly."

Thien Duc dropped his gaze, his voice softer.

"It's not… that it doesn't look good. Just… these matching coats… they're kind of flashy."

Without warning, Huyet Minh pulled him closer, his dark eyes locking onto his.

"Flashy? I just want the whole world to know you're mine."

Thien Duc's face flushed crimson as he pushed him away.

"Huyet Minh! Stop saying such ridiculous things!"

A deep chuckle rolled from Huyet Minh's chest, warm but not overly teasing.

"Alright, alright. No more jokes. Let's head out."

---

Outside, snow blanketed the path, the street so quiet that their footsteps left the only sound—soft, crisp impressions pressed into the white. Each breath they exhaled curled into faint clouds before their lips.

Thien Duc walked slowly, but every time his hand slipped free, Huyet Minh would immediately catch it, tucking it into the pocket of his own coat.

Thien Duc squirmed lightly, frowning.

"You don't have to do that. I can keep my hands warm myself."

Huyet Minh tightened his hold, his voice serious yet gentle.

"No. Your hands are like ice. How can I relax knowing that?"

Thien Duc sighed, casting him a sidelong glance.

"Next time, I'm not going out with you… You're too much."

Huyet Minh's lips curved into a faint, playful smile.

"You say that, but you still wear the matching coat… and you still let me hold your hand. Do you really dislike me that much?"

Thien Duc stiffened, his face turning slightly away.

"I don't… dislike you. It's just…"

Huyet Minh tilted his head, his voice lowering, soft as the cold wind.

"Just… what?"

Thien Duc pressed his lips together, mumbling under his breath:

"Forget it. Nothing."

Huyet Minh stayed silent for a moment, then gave his hand a firmer squeeze.

"Fine. I won't push. But it's Christmas, Thien Duc. You're supposed to enjoy today. Understand?"

Thien Duc only gave a quiet nod.

---

The amusement park glimmered with Christmas lights, festive colors spilling across every corner. Crowds bustled along the paths, and the sound of cheerful holiday music carried through the frosted air.

At a stall selling steaming hot food, Huyet Minh scanned the menu, then tilted his head toward Thien Duc.

"What do you want to eat?"

Standing beside him, Thien Duc's eyes wandered idly over the passing crowd.

"Anything's fine."

"Alright, I'll pick for us. But…" Huyet Minh glanced at him, the corner of his lips quirking upward. "You stay right here. Don't wander off."

Thien Duc frowned.

"I'm not a kid!"

Huyet Minh winked, his low voice carrying a hint of playful tease.

"Maybe not. But I still need to keep an eye on you."

Moments later, he returned, holding two portions of steaming food. Handing Thien Duc a warm drink, his voice softened:

"Here. You're freezing. Drink something hot."

Taking it, Thien Duc's gaze softened, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"Thanks."

Huyet Minh's own smile deepened as he studied him.

"You should smile like that more often. It suits you."

Caught off guard, Thien Duc turned away, flustered.

"You're saying weird things again… Just be quiet."

"But I mean it." Huyet Minh shrugged, his tone effortlessly casual.

---

Up on the Ferris wheel, the lights of the Christmas park below shrank to a scatter of shimmering jewels. Inside the quiet cabin, only their heartbeats and the faint sound of their breaths seemed to fill the air.

Huyet Minh turned slightly, his gaze lingering on Thien Duc.

"Doesn't this Christmas feel… different to you?"

Thien Duc gave a small nod, his eyes flickering faintly.

"Yeah… maybe because… I'm not spending it alone this time."

A soft, warm smile spread across Huyet Minh's lips.

"From now on, I'll always be with you. You won't have to spend another holiday by yourself."

Thien Duc's eyes lifted toward him, glistening slightly, touched by something deeper than words.

"Huyet Minh… thank you."

"Don't thank me." Huyet Minh shook his head, a faint smile still in place.

"All I need is for you to stay by my side."

For a while, they simply looked at each other, neither speaking. The Ferris wheel climbed steadily toward its peak. Suddenly, Huyet Minh rose to his feet, the cabin swaying ever so slightly.

Startled, Thien Duc's eyes widened.

"Huyet Minh! What are you doing? It's dangerous! Sit down!"

Turning back, Huyet Minh's confident smile only deepened, his voice clear and steady as it cut through the air:

"Relax, Thien Duc. There's something I need to do—right now."