Note: Late Happy New Year oneshot because I lost motivation for three weeks. Also, angst inspired by the song above ————————————————————
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"Lantern Rite Wish"
Everyday had gone from the brightest of days to gray. Love was like an azure Liyuen sky, from the summery blues of the firmament to the setting sun. The first days of love felt as if they were floating. Admiring each other, going on dates, walking by the harbor; everything was as if the world had become pink.
The sound of laughter, compliments, and words of affirmation surrounds the air where they laughed, eating streetfoods all around the Lantern Rite festival. The night sky was coated with dots and dots of orange lanterns. They float with everyone's wishes in a bottle, and off to the starry sky where the gods may read their prayers.
"Let's write our wishes," exclaimed Y/n, bringing a lantern. Having done this since last year, it had become tradition that both of them write their own wishes to the sky. "Sounds like a good idea!" Xingqiu grinned as he takes hold of the other lantern. They sat by Mt. Tianheng, up high where the lanterns can be seen floating and about.
There was a moment of silence other than the scribbling. The two thought, writing about their hopes as the year ends. When they finished, they released it together, not knowing each other's wishes. "What did you wish for?" Y/n asked Xingqiu with curiosity in their voice. Xingqiu just chuckled. "You know, a wish might not come true if you tell a soul." Y/n pouted, yet it was a playful pout that made both of them laugh. Though he may not know, Y/n was fine dreaming about their wish coming true.
Those happy feelings slowly becomes a memory, like watercolor that had been washed down with water. Time flies fast when your happy, that once you've realized it, those days of pink were becoming painted over with blue, like the night sky. Everything mellows down, and everything stills. It leaves a wandering anxiety that seeps into thought.
"Xingqiu, do you wanna go somewhere?" "I have plans, though. I apologize," The male mused, reading his book for the umpteenth time. He had never taken his eyes off the book, even as Y/n idly sat by the porch, watching the wind sway. Their eyes slowly droop in the presence of boredom. They slowly wonder when he'll stop reading. "I'll be going out." Xingqiu received no answer. Looking back at them, he walks over to their figure, only to see their eyes closed. Y/n had fallen to slumber. He sighs, yet smiles. It was the kind of smile that looked strained.
There was a hug, and a sentence under his breath as he takes Y/n to his bed.
He leaves, not noticing the frown on their face as he left.
