The Winter Boy's Novel (Xingyun FanFic)

Chapter 5

Xingqiu's POV

I opened my eyes slowly. Chongyun was gone from my side. I didn't feel like getting up. I felt tired. I sat up in bed and yawned. I dropped something, though I never remembered picking it up. It was a note from Chongyun. I'm glad you got to get some rest. I'll be going to listen to the tea master's stories and I'll be back shortly. Help yourself to a popsicle if you want one! -Chongyun. I folded the note and placed it on my bookshelf after standing up. Everything spun for a minute, then cleared quickly. I walked around for a minute before Chongyun came back. "Oh, Xingqiu! When did you wake up?" he asked. " A few minutes ago. Thank you for helping me sleep, my liege. It helped to a great extent." He smiled at me. "That's what I'm for. I know I've said this before, but I know you would've done the same thing if I were completely worn down like that." he said, setting his bag on the shelf by the door. "Plus, you look peaceful and relieved when you sleep." he added. "Oh. Well... thank you. Is there something that you would like to do? I'd like to repay you for all of your help in the span of the last few days. Pick anything." I told him. Chongyun stepped backward. "You really don't have to, I just wanted to help you." I sighed. "Look, my liege... I've rarely had one help me because of some... past incidents... and... I'd really like to reimburse you."

"O-Okay. I just don't know where to go... Maybe..." Chongyun mused. I smiled. "You don't have to decide right away. But yes, I'd like to thank you in that way whatever you chose." "Thanks. I'm gonna go shower... I'll... uh, let you know." Chongyun left the room like that. I wasn't sure if his reaction was negative or positive. I grabbed my book from my desk, sat on my windowsill, and began reading until I finished it. Unlike reality, this novel had a happy ending. Fairly common. I grabbed another book off of the shelf and dropped it as soon as I saw the title. Feiyun Commerce Guild: History. It was the book my father had given me when he wanted me to become the next manager of the Guild. My breath hitched in my throat. I can't believe I still had that. I sat on my bed and ran my finger over the spine of the book. I opened it up and saw my father's familiar handwriting. Xingqiu, my dear boy. I am hoping to one day pass the title of the manager of the Feiyu Commerce Guild down to you. You are a responsible young man and entitled to do so. I wish you great luck. -Father.

"Xingqiu? Xingqiu, are you okay?" Chongyun snapped me out of my trance. I slammed the book shut in my lap and dropped it. "Your hands are shaking." Chongyun said, sitting next to me and clamping one of my hands in both of his. I pulled my hand away. "I'm alright, my liege. Thank you for your concern." My voice was shaking. I couldn't deny it. "Xingqiu, talk to me." Chongyun pushed. He picked up the book and flipped through it. On each page, there was a note from my stupid father. "What is this?" Chongyun asked quitey. "Please, I'd rather not talk about it." "But Xingqiu-" "Enough. I said I'd rather not talk about it." I knocked the book out of his hands and left it on the ground before walking away. Chongyun just sat on my bed, stunned. I didn't know what to say. Everything I knew was slowly fading away.

Chongyun's POV

I wanted to chase after Xingqiu and to tell him he could talk to me. But I don't think he was in a good mood right now. I picked up the book without moving from my position on his bed. When I'd entered the room before, Xingqiu looked terrified of what was in here. His hands were shaking and he looked pale. I walked out of the room to find Xingqiu on the couch, crying. I sat next to him and rested my hand on his back. I felt like he would do that if our roles were switched. "Xingqiu, talk to me. You can tell me what's hurting you." I said. He turned away from me and looked at everything but me. But he made no effort to get my hand off of his back. "Is there anything you want to talk about? I'm always here." He glanced at me and I pulled him closer. "Please, Xingqiu." "I... I'm sorry. You shouldn't be seeing me like this." "It's okay. Tell me what's wrong." "My... my father, he..." He stared down and I noticed that his hands were shaking again. I held them in mine. "Go on. I'm here." "He doesn't want to see me again. I think I've disappointed him. I'm a disappointment... I'm a failure." Tears fell from his face and landed on my hands. When could this've happened?

"You're not a failure. You're perfect, Xingqiu." I held him by the shoulers. Xingqiu ducked his head. "I'm sorry." "Why? What have you done to your father that makes you a failure? A disappointment? The man is crazy." He exhaled shakily and leaned against me. I let him. He opened up to me truly for the first time. I stroked his hair comfortingly. "I'm sorry, Chongyun, I'm sorry." he sobbed. "Please, Xingqiu, don't cry. I don't like seeing you cry." "I'm sorry." "Stop saying that." "I'm sorry, Chongyun. I'm really sorry." I tried to comfort him as he cried himself to sleep that night. I was furious with his father. Nobody can keep their feelings bottled up forever. "Chongyun... can... can I sleep with you tonight?" Xingqiu asked. I'd never seen him like this before. Of course, I said yes. I rubbed Xingqiu's back without him even asking. I heard the quiet sobs from the other side of my bed. I wish I could've known sooner. When I fell asleep, Xingqiu was crying into one of the pillows on my bed. That made me want to cry.

When I woke up, Xingqiu was facing away from me, silent, and asleep. He wasn't sleeptalking. Just silent. The pillow his head was resting on was wet. I adjusted the blanket over him. My thoughts wandered back to yesterday. I felt so bad for Xingqiu and a little hurt that he never told me any of this sooner. "I'm sorry... my liege." Xingqiu murmured. I knew he was awake. I hugged him. "Go back to sleep. Don't be sorry. I'm always here for you." "Mmmm... thank you for what you did yesterday. It really helped. I needed to cry like that." he turned over to face me but kept his eyes closed. I grabbed his hands in front of him. "Yeah. I know. I know."