Beneath the Surface:

Chapter 1

Wei Wuxian's love for Lan Wangji began as an inexplicable attraction from the moment they first met, despite Lan Wangji's apparent disdain. Wei Wuxian couldn't understand the source of Lan Wangji's animosity. His early life was marked by hardship; living on the streets, he was often dirty, skinny, and unkempt. He was a boy who had learned to rely on his wits and charm to survive, and yet, something about Lan Wangji's cold demeanor captivated him.

Lan Wangji, the second son of the prestigious Lan Clan, embodied everything that Wei Wuxian admired: discipline, strength, and an unwavering sense of duty. To Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian seemed like the complete opposite: reckless, irreverent, and undisciplined. This stark contrast between them sparked tension, with Lan Wangji often expressing his disapproval through stern looks and harsh words.

Wei Wuxian, however, could not understand why Lan Wangji harbored such dislike for him. Despite his rough appearance and carefree attitude, he longed for acceptance and understanding. He had grown up without a family, relying on the kindness of strangers and his own resourcefulness to get by. His carefree demeanor was, in part, a shield to protect himself from the harsh realities of his life.

One cold night, when Wei Wuxian was huddled in an alley trying to keep warm, a group of thugs began to harass him. They mocked his appearance, calling him a stray dog, and started to rough him up. Wei Wuxian, exhausted and weak from days without proper food or rest, was unable to defend himself. Just as he thought he would be beaten senseless, a commanding voice cut through the night. It was Lan Wangji.

Lan Wangji, passing by on his way back to the Cloud Recesses, could not ignore the sight of a defenseless person being attacked. Despite his feelings towards Wei Wuxian, his sense of justice and righteousness would not allow him to stand idly by. He swiftly intervened, his presence alone enough to scare off the thugs. Wei Wuxian, bruised and battered, looked up at Lan Wangji with a mix of gratitude and confusion.

"Why did you help me?" Wei Wuxian asked, his voice trembling.

Lan Wangji's face remained impassive, his eyes cold. "No one deserves to be treated like that," he replied simply, before turning on his heel and walking away.

From that moment on, Wei Wuxian's feelings for Lan Wangji began to deepen. He saw beyond the stern exterior and recognized a kind heart beneath. Lan Wangji's actions spoke louder than his words, and despite his cold demeanor, he had shown Wei Wuxian a rare kindness.

Wei Wuxian's love for Lan Wangji was built on admiration and gratitude. He admired Lan Wangji's strength and unwavering sense of duty, but he was also grateful for the times Lan Wangji had stepped in to protect him, even if he never showed it openly. Wei Wuxian's love was patient and enduring, waiting for the day when Lan Wangji might see past his flaws and understand the depth of his feelings.

Lan Wangji, too, though slow to show it, began to see the genuine, unyielding spirit in Wei Wuxian. The boy who seemed so carefree and irreverent was also incredibly brave and selfless. It was these qualities that eventually won Lan Wangji's heart, bridging the gap between them and forging a bond that would withstand the greatest of trials. Lan Wangji's shock at seeing Wei Wuxian digging through trash was palpable. He had not run into the boy in months, and the sight of him in such a state was deeply unsettling. Wei's once lively demeanor seemed overshadowed by a weariness that Lan had not seen before. His heart clenched with a mixture of concern and compassion as he took in the sight of Wei's thin frame, a stark reminder of the hardships he endured.

As the shopkeeper accused Wei of stealing, Lan felt a surge of indignation rise within him. Despite Wei's rough appearance, Lan knew him well enough to recognize that theft was not in his nature. With a calm yet firm voice, Lan stepped in, his presence commanding attention. He insisted on hearing Wei's side of the story before passing judgment, refusing to let the accusations go unchecked.