The candle flickered softly, casting long shadows across Ling Xiuyuan's chamber. His eyes traced the intricate details of the map, noting the clearing where the haunting tree reportedly stood, the winding paths, and the strange markings villagers had drawn.
A soft creak at the door made him pause. Before he could fully react, the door swung closed behind a familiar figure.
"Shen Lianxiu…" Xiuyuan's eyes narrowed, and a faint irritation laced his calm tone. "Why are you here at this hour?"
Lianxiu offered a wide, apologetic grin, tilting his head just slightly. "I… thought I'd come see you. Don't be mad."
Xiuyuan sighed, leaning back slightly against the wall. "This is no time for wandering. You should be resting."
Lianxiu ignored the admonition entirely. He sat cross-legged on the floor a few feet away, his expression shifting into a small pout. "I'll miss you," he said softly, the words almost lost under the whisper of candlelight.
Xiuyuan glanced at him, a flicker of exasperation in his eyes. "If only you had focused more on your cultivation goals and got yourself a sword, you wouldn't be in this situation," he murmured, returning his attention to the scroll.
"Mm…" Lianxiu's head remained on his knees, eyes glinting in the dim candlelight. "You always know what to say to make me feel guilty."
Xiuyuan's fingers traced the lines on the scroll, trying to return to his work, but the weight of Lianxiu's presence was grounding, unspoken.
After a pause, Lianxiu lifted his head slightly, peeking up at him.
Xiuyuan glanced down, calm but measured.
Lianxiu pouted faintly, resting his head back on Xiuyuan's knees. "I wish I could come too."
Xiuyuan's eyes widened in surprise, his normally composed demeanor faltering for just a heartbeat. His hand hovered above Lianxiu, hesitant—uncertain how to react—but he did not push him away.
"I'll miss you," Lianxiu murmured softly, almost a whisper, his head pressing gently into Xiuyuan's leg.
Xiuyuan tried to return his attention to the scroll, but the weight of Lianxiu's head, the warmth, the closeness—it tugged at a corner of his mind he rarely allowed himself to acknowledge. He shifted slightly, careful, almost protective, adjusting his leg so the smaller body could rest more comfortably, all while keeping his eyes on the scroll. The subtle movement was cautious, restrained—but it was deliberate.
A moment of silence stretched between them, punctuated only by the soft rustle of the candle flame. Lianxiu's small smile returned, radiant yet gentle. "Don't forget me while you're out there, okay?"
Xiuyuan's eyes softened for just a moment. "Focus on your cultivation while I'm gone. That is how you honor both yourself and those who care for you."
He shifted his legs slightly again, subtle, almost imperceptible, ensuring Lianxiu was more comfortable without breaking the quiet boundary between them. Lianxiu pressed into the adjustment, sighing softly, a tiny sound that might have been almost like contentment.
The candle burned lower, shadows lengthening across the room. Xiuyuan's hand lingered near the scroll, yet his awareness of the warmth on his knees remained constant. In that quiet chamber, there was no need for words, no need for grand gestures. Just presence, trust, and a bond that neither distance nor duty could undo.
The first light of dawn seeped softly through the lattice windows, dusting the chamber in pale gold. Ling Xiuyuan had already dressed in his traveling robes, the folds neat and precise, his hair tied back as always. The scroll from last night lay folded on the desk, ink still faintly gleaming in the morning sun.
Shen Lianxiu sat on the floor, quietly watching him, the night's warmth still lingering in memory. His expression was calm, but a subtle tension hovered in his posture, as if he feared the moment when Xiuyuan would rise and leave.
Xiuyuan glanced toward him, his calm gaze steady. "Rise," he said softly. "The others await."
Lianxiu shifted slightly, but did not move immediately. "I will miss you," he admitted, voice low, almost hesitant.
Xiuyuan's expression remained composed, though his fingers tightened imperceptibly on the strap of his robe. "Focus on your improvement."
"Alright, I will..." Lianxiu said, his lips tugging into a faint, wistful smile.
Xiuyuan stepped closer, leaning slightly to adjust the collar of his robe, meticulous as ever, though his eyes softened just enough to betray his concern. "Then focus on your cultivation. That is how you honor both yourself and those who care for you," he repeated, the words carrying the same measured weight as last night, but now tinged with a quiet warmth.
Lianxiu's gaze lingered on him, reluctant to rise from the floor. Finally, with a small, resigned sigh, he stood, brushing the hem of his robe. "I'll try," he said, tone light but infused with quiet longing.
Xiuyuan gave the faintest nod.
Lianxiu's lips curved into a small, teasing grin, though his eyes held the truth of his attachment. "Please be safe. I'll be waiting for you."
Xiuyuan's jaw tightened just slightly, his expression returning to calm neutrality. He picked up the folded scroll and slung it over his shoulder, finally turning toward the door. Lianxiu watched him go, the sunlight catching the edges of his robes, illuminating his composed, unwavering figure.
As Xiuyuan's footsteps faded into the courtyard, Lianxiu stood in the doorway for a moment longer, quietly wishing the day away in silent hope. The warmth of the night lingered still in his chest, a quiet reminder that even the calmest of hearts could carry an ache for someone they trusted beyond measure.