Moonlit Hearts

Chapter 22: Bonding

This chapter is very long compared to the others, I lost it 2 times before being able to complete it without it magically disapearing from my laptop. I didn't know where to cut it, so it's a very long chapter ! 

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At the end of the day, Wangji and Sizhui accompanied Wei Ying and his brother back to Wei Ying's apartment. The bustling streets throbbed with life, a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and sensations. Car horns blared amidst the constant hum of conversation, their echoing reverberations vibrating through the air. The aroma of sizzling street food wafted temptingly from nearby stalls, mingling with the scent of exhaust fumes and the earthy smell of rain-soaked pavement. Vendors hawked their wares with fervor, their voices rising and falling in a melodic rhythm that added to the lively cacophony of the city. Neon signs bathed the throngs of people navigating the crowded sidewalks in a kaleidoscope of colors, casting an otherworldly glow over the scene and illuminating the faces of passersby with an electric intensity.

As they traversed the vibrant streets, each step Wangji took felt like a battle against himself. The bustling atmosphere around him only served to amplify the turmoil raging within. Amidst the symphony of sounds and scents, he couldn't escape the overwhelming conflict churning in his mind.

Glancing at Wei Ying, Wangji felt a pang of longing mixed with guilt. Wei Ying's laughter, so carefree and infectious, tugged at Wangji's heartstrings, reminding him of what he desired most. It was a desire not just for companionship, but for something deeper, something he dared not name. The warmth that blossomed within him at the sight of Wei Ying's smile was countered by the cold reality of their circumstances.

The weight of Wei Ying's forgotten memories pressed down on Wangji's shoulders, a heavy burden that threatened to bow him beneath its weight. His steps faltered slightly, each movement a struggle against the invisible chains of guilt and regret that bound him. How could he allow himself to yearn for closeness when the foundation of their bond was eroded by Wei Ying's lost memories?

Despite the pulsing yearning in his veins, Wangji found himself frozen in place, trapped by the tendrils of fear coiling around his heart. The mere thought of rejection from Wei Ying sent a chill racing down his spine, paralyzing him with the dread of potential consequences. What if their fragile camaraderie shattered under the weight of his unspoken desires, leaving behind only fractured remnants of what could have been?

Yet, amidst the chaos of his inner turmoil, Wangji couldn't ignore the magnetic pull drawing him inexorably towards Wei Ying. It defied all reason, a force beyond his control that compelled him to step closer, even as his mind screamed warnings of the dangers ahead. As they walked side by side, their worlds intersecting yet remaining divided by the chasm of their unspoken truths, Wangji couldn't help but wonder if he would ever summon the courage to break free from the shackles of duty and embrace the tumultuous path laid out before him.

Sizhui's voice cut through Wangji's contemplation, drawing his gaze. "Hanguangjun , you seem preoccupied. Is everything alright?"

Wangji's lips tightened, a subtle attempt to conceal the tumult swirling within. "I'm fine, Sizhui. Just lost in thought."

Sizhui's perceptive eyes lingered on Wangji, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken turmoil. "If you ever need someone to listen, I'm here," he offered softly, falling into step beside Wangji once more.

The words hung in the air, a silent invitation to open up, but Wangji remained reticent. His thoughts churned, a tempest of desire and duty warring within him. He knew he should focus on his duty as a god, on ensuring Wei Ying's safety and finding the truth about his memories above all else. But the longing in his heart refused to be silenced, a relentless ache that consumed his every thought.