The Winter Boy's Novel (Xingyun FanFic)

Chapter 2

Xingqiu's POV

I was a bit stunned when I awoke this morning. I never meant to fall asleep. Nor did I remember taking my ponytail out or giving myself a blanket and pillow. Chongyun had placed my book exactly where I'd always kept it, and I appreciated that. I appreciated that Chongyun did all of that. I don't remember the last time I'd slept that well. I normally sat in the kitchen reading all night because I don't sleep very well often. Sleep just doesn't come to me easily. Maybe I should start reading in bed just in case. Or at my desk, at the very least. All that set aside, I was very grateful to Chongyun for what he did last night and I wanted to show my appreciation.

I eventually made some cookies with a recipe Sara from Good Hunter had given me, and made sure to put most of them in the freezer for Chongyun. Speaking of Chongyun, I think he was outside marveling at the snow. I checked outside, but he wasn't there. When I walked through the small hallway, I heard a type of muffle noise from the bathroom. I knocked on the door but got no reply, so I opened it. Chongyun was sitting on the ground, throwing up into the toilet. I knelt down next to him and rested my hand on his back. Acting surprised or panicked would make him feel worse. "It's okay, my liege. Let it out." I whispered. Chongyun shuddered as he threw up. He finally eased backward slowly. I felt like I needed to say something, but even after reading all of those words every day, came up with nothing. "You should get some rest. Here. I can help you." I helped Chongyun stand and he nearly collapsed against me. He was burning up. I carried him to the bedroom and laid him down. "Thanks." he murmured. I shook my head and left to get a washcloth and a glass of water for him.

When I came back, Chongyun was dazed and half-asleep. I laid the washcloth over his forehead and set the glass of water on his table. I set a bucket near his bed just in case and pulled up the chair of my desk so that I was next to him. I gripped his hand in both of mine. "Xingqiu... sorry..." he slurred. I shook my head. "Don't be sorry, my liege. It was accidental at the most. Now rest up." I replied softly. "Mhmmm..." He shifted uncomfortably and rolled over. I didn't say anything for a few minutes and within that short time frame, Chongyun was snoring quietly. I stood up and grabbed a book to read, but for the first time, I could only focus on my concern for something else. Chongyun. I brushed his light blue, ruffled hair out of his face and adjusted the blankets over him. His breathing was long and deep, which was good. Short and shallow would be when it got extremely bad. I was 90% sure he just had a cold, but it was better safe than sorry.

I was deeply engrossed in my book when Chongyun woke up. It'd been two hours. Chongyun sat up in bed and yawned. He looked much better. I closed my book. "Are you alright?" I asked him. He shrugged. "I... kinda nauseous. I-" He gagged and threw up. I held the bucket up to him just in time. When he was finished, I set the bucket on the ground. "You should rest up a bit more. We'll see how you feel in the morning. Alright, my liege?" I asked. He nodded. "Y-Yeah. Thanks." He laid back down and I placed a fresh, wet rag over his forehead. I hoped he would be okay.

Chongyun's POV

I was having this dream about penguins. It wasn't vivid, though. Everything was blurry. I heard Xingqiu faintly turning the pages of his book. I was glad to know that he was staying with me, even if I was asleep. My dream about the penguins faded away as I woke up. Xingqiu was reading out loud to me. His voice was so magical. It was like the winter wind to snow. "And the unknown girl received the blessing with no reluctance at all. None of the group knew the girl. But all were furious and... my liege... you're awake." Xingqiu turned red momentarily. "Keep reading, please." I requested. He started turning a deeper shade of red. "I... Chongyun..." I realized that he hadn't read to anyone before so I let it go. "Never mind. I'm just gonna go back to sleep... if you don't mind." "Not at all. Get as much rest as you need." I turned away from Xingqiu and let my eyelids close. I was pleasantly surprised when Xingqiu started to read again. That was the last sound I heard before falling asleep again.

When I woke up, it was 9:46 in the morning. There was a note on my table along with a frozen cookie and a glass of water. The note was in Xingqiu's handwriting. It read: I see you've awoken, my liege. I hope you're feeling better. I am in the shower if you need anything. I got up feeling dizzy at first, but that easily went away quickly. I was in the kitchen when Xingqiu emerged from the bathroom with his hair let down. He looked spaced out until he saw me. "My liege, you're awake. How are you feeling?" he asked. I bit into the frozen cookie, chewed, and swallowed it before answering. "A lot better. You read well." I replied. His breath hitched in his throat. He turned around, but I could see his reflection in the wall. He pulled a ribbon out of his pocket and tied his hair back with it. He sighed. "Thank you. But I'd rather not speak of it." he admitted. I nodded. I should've understood the sensitive topic and left it where it was. Xingqiu turned around and felt my forehead. "You seem to have lost your fever." he changed the topic. I nodded. "I really do feel a lot better." I said through a mouthful of cookie. "I'm glad. Now I must get going. My father wanted to talk to me." he said. "He did?" "Yes. You make sure you're still okay. I'll be back shortly."