The palace was quiet that night—unusually quiet. Inside Haoran's room, the two of them hadn't done anything… yet. Instead, they found themselves pressed together on the sofa, arms wrapped tightly around each other, hearts beating in sync.
Haoran (murmuring softly): "Don't move… stay like this."
Xiaoxi (snuggling closer): "I won't… it feels… safe."
Hours passed. The flickering candlelight cast a gentle glow, and the world outside seemed to vanish. They slept wrapped in each other's arms, so comfortably, so intimately, that it felt like nothing could ever pull them apart.
---
The next morning, Xiaoxi was the first to wake. She blinked, still half-asleep, and realized she was still in Haoran's embrace. She froze, cheeks flushing crimson as she quietly tried to move—but he tightened his hold, murmuring in a low, teasing voice:
Haoran: "Don't… stay."
She froze, heart racing. Slowly, he opened his eyes, meeting hers. Both of them stared at each other awkwardly, silence stretching between them, neither knowing what to say.
Finally, after a few moments of mutual blushing, they separated—careful, hesitant—but the warmth of last night lingered in the air.
---
When they finally stepped out of the room, the palace erupted with whispers and giggles.
Lianhua (whispering to Grandma and Empress, eyes wide): "They actually… hugged all night?! 😳"
Grandma: "Hmph! I knew it! I told you, the little pufferfish has the prince wrapped around her!"
Empress (smirking): "Looks like our little chaos-maker has claimed the crown prince's heart… officially."
Xiaoxi, cheeks still pink, tried to act normal—but her mischievous spark had returned. She bounced around the palace, bringing her usual chous and laughter. No corner remained silent. Servants, guards, and family alike couldn't escape her energetic antics.
Xiaoxi (grinning): "Come on! Who wants to help me with breakfast? Or… maybe hide a frog in the prince's shoes? 😏"
Haoran followed silently behind her, shaking his head but secretly amused. Every time she laughed or made a playful remark, his chest tightened with a warmth he couldn't deny. She was back to her old self—chaotic, lively, unstoppable—but now there was something different in the air.
Even though the palace had returned to its usual bustling chaos, the bond between them had shifted. Every glance, every brush of hands, every shared smile carried an unspoken promise—a secret connection that belonged only to the prince and his little pufferfish. ♥️
And so, life in the palace went back to normal…
…except that the prince and Xiaoxi now shared something only their hearts could know. 💖