Moonlit Hearts

Chapter 24: A Father's Embrace

Wangji was prepared to leave, but just as he stood, a sudden knock at the door startled him.

"Wei Wuxian, are you there?" called a voice from outside.

Wangji's heart quickened at the unexpected intrusion. He paused, his mind racing with questions. Who could it be at this hour? With Wei Ying resting peacefully, any disturbance could be risky. However, the urgency in the voice compelled him to investigate.

Moving silently across the room, Wangji approached the door with caution, listening intently to discern any familiar voices or sounds.

"Wei Wuxian, I know you're home, and I just want to apologize. I didn't mean to create problems at work, but we do flirt a lot, and I thought you'd be more open after so many years."

Confusion tightened in Wangji's chest as he processed the visitor's words. Flirting at work? Apologizing for what, exactly? The situation seemed like a puzzle with missing pieces. Casting a glance at Wei Ying, who slumbered peacefully on the couch, undisturbed by the conversation at the door, Wangji couldn't help but wonder about the stranger's intentions.

"Let's just talk like adults. I'll see you at work tomorrow. Don't avoid me," the voice urged before fading away, footsteps echoing down the corridor.

Wangji stood in thoughtful silence for a moment, his mind swirling with unanswered questions. Who could mistake Wei Ying for someone entangled in workplace flirtations? And why the insistence on discussing it?

However he let it go and with a gentle kiss on Wei Ying's temple, Wangji silently bid him farewell before slipping back to his own home. Their routine had become comforting-a daily ritual of shared moments. Each morning, Wangji would visit Wei Ying's house, and together they would watch movies, reminisce about their divine realms, and simply revel in each other's presence.

The next morning, Wangji arrived at Wei Ying's apartment in the usual gentle flutter of his butterflies, their wings carrying him effortlessly through space. Yet, as he materialized in the familiar surroundings, he was met with emptiness. Wei Ying was nowhere to be found. His usual mess of books wasn't on the coffee table. The room was tidier than it used to be, with no bundle of clothes scattered around, and the bed had been made.

Wangji didn't take the time to weigh the pros and cons before using his powers once more to locate him. He knew that by using his cultivation so frequently, he might attract Odin's attention in the human realm, but the potential disappearance of Wei Ying worried him far more than Odin discovering his presence here.

To his relief, he located Wei Ying easily. He was nearby, in a museum. Lan Wangji didn't hesitate to teleport himself to the museum's restroom.

He emerged a few seconds later and made his way to the counter. There stood Wei Ying, in simple jeans and a t-shirt, wearing the museum's white jacket with their logo. A name tag loosely hung around his neck with the word "staff" written at the top.

Wei Ying smiled brightly at him as he approached. "Lan Zhan! So nice to see you here. Did you come to visit?" he asked enthusiastically, nearly bouncing on the floor.

Wangji approached Wei Ying with a soft smile, "I came to see you. I did not know you worked here."

Realization dawned on Wei Ying, his eyes widening with sudden understanding. "Oh no! I forgot to tell you, Lan Zhan! You must have gone to the apartment. I'm so sorry!"

Wangji's expression softened further. "It's fine. I'm just glad Wei Ying is safe."

With that reassurance, Wei Ying visibly relaxed. Wangji now knew Wei Ying's work schedule, and after a brief tour of the museum, Wei Ying led him to the staff bathroom on the second floor, where he hugged him tightly.