innocent lotus flower

Confession

“Wei Ying…” Lan Wangji calls out when he sees both Wen Qing and Wei Ying shocked and speechless. “Sorry—please, have a seat. Do you need anything?”

“No, I’m fine—but I bought some things for A‑Yuan, if that’s okay.”

“Of course. We can grab them on the way,” Wei Ying says immediately. He doesn’t dare question Lan Wangji—of course he doesn’t have a death wish, he thinks—but he does notice Lan Wangji eyeing A‑Yuan in Wen Qing’s arms as if he wants to hold him. Wei Ying doesn’t want Lan Wangji anywhere near his son, but now that Lan Wangji is here there’s no avoiding it. He blurts out, “Lan Wangji… would you like to hold him?”—and gently takes A‑Yuan from Wen Qing.

Lan Wangji is surprised; he hadn’t expected Wei Ying to offer. He nods, and when the baby is placed in his arms, Lan Wangji feels something inside him finally click into place. He can’t believe that he and Wei Ying created this little miracle. Ever since he was young he only knew how to destroy things, not make them—and now this living wonder rests in his arms.

The baby squirms but doesn’t cry; instead he studies Lan Wangji’s face for a long moment before smiling—which makes Lan Wangji smile back without thinking.

A‑Yuan, who’s just learning faces, is entranced by this new one. Curious, he reaches out and—*pah!*—slaps Lan Wangji’s cheek. Wei Ying’s soul almost leaves his body at that first smack, and Wen Qing tries to stifle her laughter. Before Wei Ying can really panic, Lan Wangji laughs out loud—and A‑Yuan, thinking this is a game, starts clapping. Soon he’s alternating between clapping and smacking his father’s face in happy imitation.

Wei Ying watches the father and son play, oblivious to onlookers. For him, this moment is a dream come true: seeing his child bond so freely with a present, loving parent. Years of wishing for a complete family have finally come to life—but he knows this isn’t a fairy tale, and he can’t ignore why Lan Wangji returned. Still, for now, he savors this newfound happiness.

After a while, A‑Yuan grows tired. Wen Qing scoops him up and offers the couple a bit of privacy—but she stays close, eyes never leaving Lan Wangji. She doesn’t fully trust him yet.

Lan Wangji looks at Wei Ying for a long moment before speaking:
“Listen, Wei Ying… I know you haven’t forgiven me—and you may never fully forgive me. What I did to you was unforgivable and cruel. I hurt you physically, emotionally, and mentally. I am not a good person, and I’ve never pretended to be. If this were anyone else, I might never have apologized. The only reason I’m doing this is because I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I know you don’t believe me yet, so I will prove it. I probably should let you go—let you live your life and be happy with someone else—but I can’t. I don’t know how to let go. That’s why I will do everything I can to earn not just your trust, but your love. I came here for you, but holding A‑Yuan today I realized there is more to life than power. I’ve tasted family, and I want to wake up every morning with you and A‑Yuan—walk him to school, share the simple domestic moments that are more precious than anything. I don’t want to force my way in; I want to be welcomed. So, Wei Ying, no matter what, I will become the man worthy of you and A‑Yuan. I will learn to love and cherish you, learn your likes and dislikes, learn how to support you, and—most importantly—learn how to make you and A‑Yuan smile from genuine happiness.”

Lan Wangji finishes, but even these words feel insufficient to express how deeply he wants to make Wei Ying happy—because Wei Ying deserves all the happiness in the world, and even that isn’t enough.

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**Author’s Note:**
Hello everyone—sorry for the lack of updates! I’ve been busy with school work and will likely be tied up until next week. I apologize for the short chapters as well. Thank you so much for your votes and comments ❤️❤️❤️