When Rose's Thorns Attack my Sides (But my Eyes Stay Trained on You) (Xingyun)

Ch. 2

Chongyun quickly found out that his new friend was rather keen on getting away with things he wasn't supposed to be doing.

For instance, when he came running back with a Glaze Lily, a prized flower that he was not supposed to pick.

"Xingqiu! You can't take those!" Chongyun looks at him with worry when he presents him with the bright flower.

"I won't tell if you won't tell. And it doesn't do any good if I put it back, does it? I already picked it." He shrugs, handing him the big Glaze Lily.

"I guess so... but don't do that again! I don't want you to get in trouble." He pouts as they start on their way to Xiangling's place.

"I guess if you're so worried about me, then I won't! You're so thoughtful Yun." Xingqiu smiles up at him.

Chongyun notices the little dimples he has when he smiles big, and blushes a little from seeing him so happy.

"Cute..."

"So who is Xiangling anyways? It sounds like a familiar name..." Xingqiu hums as he falls in step with him, bringing him out of his thoughts.

"Xiangling likes to cook, and she has hair that's a similar color to yours. She also has this little animal that follows her around everywhere named-"

"Guobaaa!"

Xiangling ran out of Wanmin Restaurant in her pajamas after Guoba, who furrowed his eyebrows and pointed to a glass of water on the kitchen counter.

"I know, I know, I'll drink plenty of water! I promise!"

Guoba tilts his head and pretends to sleep, and Xiangling whines at his demands.

"But I'm not tired!"

"U-um, I brought you something." Chongyun speaks up.

Xiangling and Guoba look over at him, and immediately the girl's eyes light up.

"Woah! A glaze Lily? I can't get ahold of those anywhere! How did you find it?"

"I helped him get it!" Xingqiu says proudly.

"By taking it from where you aren't supposed to..." Chongyun mutters.

"The details aren't important! All that matters is that Xiangling has her gift now, right?" Xingqiu waves away the previous discussion.

"I didn't realize you two knew each other!" Xiangling says with a sniffle.

"Me and Yun met earlier today when we were looking for flowers." Xingqiu explains.

"Earlier today and you already have a nickname for him? Woooow!" She says amazed. "You two are like me, Yun Jin and Xinyan! Clearly best friends!"

"I guess we do look like a pair." Chongyun agrees.

"I suppose so too! Almost like Yin and Yang!" Xingqiu laughs.

"Thanks for bringing me this! Guoba's trying to drag me inside, so I shouldn't keep him waiting any longer." Xiangling sighs. She waves to the two young boys before following Guoba back inside, leaving the two to themselves again.

"So what do you want to do now?" Xingqiu asks when they're all alone.

"I don't know. Honestly, I was just going to go back to training soon..."

"Oh. Well we can say goodbye for today. Just as long as I get to see you again, I'm all good!" Xingqiu smiles.

"Okay. Hopefully I'll bump into you again then sometime." Chongyun smiles back.

He departs for his training and Xingqiu watches him go, twirling the silk flower in between his fingers.

He heads back to his house to press the flower, humming to himself about his wonderful encounter.

"I've got a new best friend~!"

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Written: May 23rd, 2023

Finished/Published: July 10th, 2023

(Word Count: 578)